Great Lakes Wire

The Senate Finance, Insurance and Consumer Protection Committee in Michigan has reviewed proposed legislation this week that would introduce new state-level regulations on telephone solicitation. Known as the Telephone Solicitation Act, the bills have raised concerns among business groups.

According to the Michigan Chamber of Commerce, these measures could expose businesses in the state to unnecessary lawsuits. "Rather than protecting consumers, these bills could divert business resources away from investment and innovation — the very things that help reduce unwanted calls and texts," the organization stated in a memo submitted to the committee.

The Chamber has recommended that lawmakers consider pursuing updates at the federal level instead, specifically through changes to the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA). The group argues that issues such as robocalls are not limited by state boundaries and require a national approach. "In a memo to the Committee, the MI Chamber urged lawmakers to pursue a federal solution instead — updating the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) — since robocall issues don’t stop at state borders."

The committee may decide whether to advance the bills as soon as next week. The schedule for a full vote in the Senate has not yet been determined.

For more information or questions about these developments, stakeholders are encouraged to contact Mike Alaimo at the Michigan Chamber of Commerce.