Capitol News

A Michigan Senate committee is considering new legislation known as the Telephone Solicitation Act, which would introduce additional state-level regulations on telephone solicitation. The Senate Finance, Insurance and Consumer Protection Committee heard testimony this week on the proposed bills.

The Michigan Chamber of Commerce has expressed concerns that these measures could increase legal risks for businesses in the state. In a memo to the committee, the Chamber stated: "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 Chamber also urged lawmakers to focus on federal solutions by updating the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA), noting that issues with robocalls are not limited by state borders: "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."

If advanced by the committee next week, it remains uncertain when a full Senate vote might occur.

For further details or inquiries about the proposed legislation, stakeholders are encouraged to contact Mike Alaimo at the Michigan Chamber of Commerce.