Bill: HB 411, 84(R) - 2015
Committee
House Business & Industry
Vote Recommendation
Vote Recommendation |
Economic Freedom |
Property Rights |
Personal Responsibility |
Limited Government |
Individual Liberty |
No |
Neutral |
Neutral |
Neutral |
Negative |
Neutral |
Author(s)
Chris Turner
Co-Author(s)
Eric Johnson
Eddie Lucio III
Bill Caption
Relating to prohibiting telemarketing calls by a credit access business.
Fiscal Notes
This bill would amend the Business & Commerce Code and the Finance Code relating to
prohibiting telemarketing calls by a credit access business; adding a provision subject to criminal
penalties. Based on information provided by the Public Utility Commission and the Office of
Public Utility Counsel, it is assumed that duties and responsibilities associated with implementing
the provisions of the bill could be accomplished by utilizing existing resources. No significant fiscal impact is expected.
Bill Analysis
This bill seeks to prevent a state licensed credit access businesses from telemarketing to potential consumers regardless of whether or not they are on the no call list.
Vote Recommendation Notes
This bill appears to tackle predatory lending firms, which are a growing problem in our state. This bill would not prevent the individual from seeking out lines of credit that they may or may not need (or be able to afford payments on). It does, however, aim to prevent certain firms from targeting at-risk individuals via telemarketing.
It is a noble endeavor. But this is a case where we have to decide if slight intervention is warranted. While there are pros and cons to this consumer protection bill, we will side with Limited Government and, therefore, we oppose HB 411.