SRC-JBJ H.B. 450 76(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 450
76R1845 DWS-DBy: Pitts (Cain)
Economic Development
5/10/1999
Engrossed


DIGEST 

Currently, many telephone marketers use automated dialing systems to reach
a customer, rather than manually dialing the phone number.  Under current
statute, the marketer may remain connected to a telephone for 30 seconds
after the consumer ends the call.  During the period, a consumer is unable
to use the telephone line.  This inability to use the phone could pose a
problem for a consumer who needs to use the telephone in an emergency.
H.B. 450 requires the disconnection of a telephone call generated by an
automated dial announcing device within five, rather than 30, seconds after
the call is ended. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, H.B. 450 amends the regulation regarding the disconnection of
a telephone call made by an automated dial announcing device. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, institution, or agency. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  Amends Section 37.02(a), Business & Commerce Code, to prohibit
a telephone solicitor from making a consumer telephone call to a consumer
unless for those calls in which an automated dial announcing device is
used, the devise must disconnect the consumer's telephone line within the
period provided by Section 55.126, Utilities Code, after termination of the
call by either the telephone solicitor or the consumer, rather than after
30 seconds. 

SECTION 2.  Amends Section 55.126, Utilities Code, to prohibit a person
from using an automated dial announcing device to make a telephone call
unless the device disconnects from the called person's line not later than
five, rather than 30, seconds after the call is terminated by either party. 

SECTION 3.Effective date: September 1, 1999.

SECTION 4.Emergency clause.