Compliance News: Industry Resource Center

Our compliance department is always up-to-date on changes to telemarketing laws.

The purpose of the compliance news section is to keep our clients knowledgeable and informed about the most recent compliance changes and updates. 

The most current regulatory changes are highlighted in green.

FTC

The FTC announced that it will delay the expiration of the Federal Do Not Call Registry that was to begin in the summer of 2008.  The delay is pending on a ruling from Congress.  Congress is reviewing legislation that includes House Bill 2601, which would renew all current numbers on the list until 2012 and House Bill 3541, which would make permanent any number listed on the registry.

Pennsylvania

House Bill 1717 was introduced.  The bill would no longer exempt organizations that conduct their own fundraising through volunteers if the organization otherwise employs the services of professional fundraisers.

A Pennsylvania congressman wants to make the federal Do Not Call Registry permanent.  The legislation introduced would eliminate the five-year expiration period and make the entry on the federal Registry permanent.

South Carolina

New legislation was passed that exempts organizations that receive revenue less than $7,500, regardless if professional fundraisers are used from registration.  The legislation also now allows charitable organizations to file their annual registration on the same date that financial reports need to be filed.

Minnesota

Effective immediately, Minnesota has enabled its state do not call list.  The National Do Not Call Registry is no longer accepting the Minnesota Do Not Call list and therefore callers must now purchase their list separately, as well as continuing to download the national registry (in some instances).  Callers will need to download the list at least once every 90 days and costs $75 each time. 

Wisconsin

Recently, Wisconsin interpreted the definition of “unsolicited telephone call” to include upsells on an inbound call.  The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) recently confirmed that its interpretation would be a violation of the Wisconsin’s Do Not Call rules if the person is on the Do Not Call list and an upsell is attempted on an inbound phone call.

Back to Issue 7 / November 2007