MN HF3277

Amends Minnesota Statutes section 325D.46 to classify deceptive telephone-related directory listings and print advertisements as deceptive trade practices under sections 325D.44, clauses (2) and (4).

Defines "business located within a geographic area" as requiring at least one owner or employee to regularly perform services at that location; renting a street address, post office box, or mail-drop does not qualify.

Prohibits misrepresenting business location in telephone directories, directory assistance databases, or Internet listings when the business name indicates a location it does not occupy, the actual municipality and state are not identified, and calls are routinely forwarded outside the local calling area.

Prohibits using fictitious or assumed business names in print advertisements that misrepresent geographic location when telephone calls to the listed local number are routinely forwarded outside the calling area for that number.

Takes effect August 1, 2010, and applies to telephone directories, directory assistance databases, Internet websites, and print advertisements provided or published on or after that date.