Michigan advances bills to combat robocalls and scams with stricter rules and enforcement.

Michigan lawmakers held a committee hearing on bipartisan legislation targeting unwanted telemarketing calls and texts, aiming to strengthen enforcement against robocalls and scams. The proposed bills would prohibit unsolicited contact with individuals on the federal do-not-call list without consent, limit automated calling, require caller identification, and establish quiet hours. Violators could face lawsuits from consumers or the state attorney general, with provisions targeting out-of-state and international violators by holding VoIP providers accountable. Business groups raised concerns about potential "shakedown lawsuits" due to broad definitions and high statutory damages, urging clearer language on automated dialing systems. Bill sponsors say a revised version adopted during the hearing addresses these issues with improved definitions and safeguards. The legislation remains under review.