HB 1225 Summary

• Transfers all telephone solicitation regulatory authority, duties, and functions from the Mississippi Public Service Commission to the Mississippi Attorney General, effective July 1, 2023

• Requires telephone solicitors to obtain the federal "Do Not Call Registry" directly from the Federal Trade Commission rather than a state registry, and allows the Attorney General to utilize the single national database for enforcement

• Removes the requirement for formal hearings in enforcement proceedings; violations subject to civil penalties up to $10,000 per violation assessed through investigation and court action instead of administrative hearings

• Authorizes the Attorney General to bring enforcement actions in Chancery Court of Hinds County or the county where a defendant resides, with appeals to the Mississippi Supreme Court rather than the prior Chancery Court appeal process

• Transfers all related records, property, contractual obligations, and appropriated funds from the Public Service Commission to the Attorney General for administering the telephone solicitation program