House Bill 64 Summary

• Extends the Mississippi Telephone Solicitation Act to cover text messages and telephone facsimile machine solicitations in addition to voice calls.

• Requires telephone solicitors using facsimile machines to purchase a "do-not-fax" database from the commission, similar to existing "no-calls" database requirements.

• Restricts telephone solicitations to hours between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. Central Standard Time and prohibits solicitations on Sundays or legal holidays.

• Narrows exemptions to only charitable organizations registered under state law (receiving no compensation) and entities with established business relationships with consumers.

• Adds wireless telephone service subscribers to the definition of "consumers" protected under the act and requires all telephone solicitors to register with the Public Service Commission before conducting solicitations.