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.