OH SB54

Prohibits any person, entity, merchant, or telemarketer from violating federal telemarketing and consumer fraud prevention laws, including the Telemarketing and Consumer Fraud and Abuse Prevention Act and the Telephone Consumer Protection Act of 1991.

Expands telecommunications fraud offense under section 2913.05 to include knowingly causing caller identification services to transmit or display misleading or inaccurate caller identification information with intent to defraud, cause harm, or wrongfully obtain value.

Authorizes the Ohio Attorney General to investigate and prosecute violations of unauthorized use of property and telecommunications fraud, with power to appear before grand juries and handle cases through trial, sentencing, and appeal if local prosecutors don't act within 45 days.

Establishes civil penalties of $500 per violation (or $1,500 if defendant knowingly/willfully violated the law), allowing the Attorney General to bring civil actions for injunctive relief and damages on behalf of Ohio residents, with a five-year statute of limitations.

Deposits civil penalties into the telemarketing fraud enforcement fund to support the Attorney General's investigation and enforcement costs related to telemarketing violations.