On November 13, 2024, Senate Bill No. 330 to make changes to the telemarketing law was referred to the Ohio State Senate Committee on General Government following its introduction in the Senate on November 12, 2024. The bill aims to amend §109.87 of the Ohio Revised Code to make changes to the telemarketing law.

What are the proposed amendments?

The bill deletes the definitions of the terms 'voice service provider,' 'text message,' and 'text message service provider.' 

Additionally, the bill states, among other things, that no person shall provide substantial assistance or support to any person, entity, merchant, seller, or telemarketer when that person knows or consciously avoids knowing that the other person, entity, merchant, seller, or telemarketer is engaged in any act or practice that violates any provision of a federal act or rule. The bill amends the definition of substantial assistance or support stating that it does not include the provision of a voice service to a third party by a person operating as any of the following:

• an incumbent local exchange carrier as defined in §4927.01 of the Revised Code;
• a telephone company or wireless service provider that is certified or registered, as applicable, with the Public Utilities Commission pursuant to §4927.05 of the Revised Code; or
• an eligible telecommunications carrier designated by rule by the Public Utilities Commission pursuant to §4927.04 of the Revised Code.

The bill also includes provisions regarding violations, penalties, and powers of the Ohio Attorney General. It additionally proposes to repeal §109.87 of the Revised Code. 

You can read the bill here and track its progress here.