U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Charles E. Schumer (D-NY), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), and Jeff Merkley (D-OR) have introduced the Repeated Objectionable Bothering of Consumers on Phones (ROBOCOP) Act which would expand and clarify the prohibition on robocalls. Representative Jackie Speier (D-CA) introduced a companion bill in the House. Finding the National Do Not Call Registry ineffective in protecting consumers against unwanted calls and scams, the law directs the FCC to require telecom companies to verify that caller ID is accurate, except where consumers have a legitimate need for altered caller ID such as domestic violence shelters. The bill also directs the FCC to require telecom companies to offer consumers optional free robocall-blocking technology. The technology would not block public safety entities or calls that a consumer consents to receive such as those providing information on school closings. The bill also requires the FCC, in consultation with the Federal Trade Commission, to report on whether the new rules reduce unwanted calls, authorizes the FCC to create a nationwide unblocking system to ensure consumers are in control of the calls/text messages they receive, and gives consumers a private right of legal action against telecom companies that violate this Act.
Also introduced in Congress by Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI) is the Robocall Enforcement Enhancement Act of 2018, which would extend the statute of limitations for violations of the FCC’s telemarketing (robocalls) and spoofing (using fake caller ID) rules to help the FCC fight against illegal scammers.
