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.