House Bill 427 Alabama 2026 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Ontario J. TillmanRepresentative

Democrat

Session

2026 Regular Session

Title

Consumer protection; telephone solicitation database, prohibitions, penalties, damages, and defenses amended

Summary

HB427 would strengthen Alabama's rules on telephone solicitations by expanding the no-solicitation database to include commercial and cellular numbers, adding stricter caller ID and timing rules, higher penalties, and labeling violations as deceptive trade practices.

What This Bill Does

It would allow commercial and cellular subscribers to join the state's no-solicitation database. It would prohibit solicitors from using misleading caller identification information. It would restrict solicitation calls to between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. local time and limit the number of solicitation calls to three per 24 hours for the same subject. It would empower the Public Service Commission to enforce the rules with civil penalties up to $20,000 per violation and to allow damages up to $20,000 per violation, and would treat violations as deceptive trade practices.

Who It Affects

• Commercial and cellular subscribers who choose to join the no-solicitation database and whom those numbers would apply to.
• Telephone solicitors/telemarketers doing business in Alabama, who would face stricter restrictions, higher penalties, and potential damages for violations.

Key Provisions

• Expands the no-solicitation database to include commercial and cellular subscribers.
• Prohibits misleading caller identification by solicitors.
• Prohibits solicitation calls before 8:00 a.m. or after 8:00 p.m. local time.
• Limits solicitation calls to no more than three for a given person within a 24-hour period on the same subject.
• Raises civil penalties to up to $20,000 per violation and allows damages up to $20,000 per violation; treats violations as deceptive trade practices.
• Provides funding mechanisms for the database (fees, dedicated state fund) and requires annual appropriation for administration.
• Defines key terms (caller identification service, commercial telephone seller, telemarketer, etc.).
• Effective date: October 1, 2026.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 12, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Consumer Protection