What's happening
This bill requires state contracts for information and communication technologies to provide free software that blocks automated and spoofed calls.
Why it matters
Mandates stronger protections against robocalls and caller ID spoofing. by requiring state-contracted technologies to include free software that blocks these unwanted calls, potentially reducing scams and nuisance calls for users of state-supported services.
Broadly defines covered technologies. to include not just phones, but also computers, network hardware, videoconferencing, and distance learning systems, ensuring the requirement applies to a wide range of modern communications used by public agencies.
Could set a precedent for industry standards. by making call-blocking software a baseline requirement in state contracts, possibly influencing private sector offerings and encouraging wider adoption of anti-robocall measures.
May impact procurement and vendor selection. as state agencies, authorities, and municipalities will have to ensure that any information and communication technology they purchase or contract for includes this protective software, possibly affecting which vendors are eligible for public contracts.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Block Robocalls in State Contracts
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
Senator · Senate District 39
No co-sponsors yet.
History
- Referred to finance
- Referred to finance
Companion bill
The same bill in the other chamber. A bill becomes law when one version passes both houses and the governor signs it, so either number can carry it.
Block Robocalls in State Contracts
In Assembly Committee · Governmental Operations · Sponsor Phil Steck
Full text
2 pagesUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
3434
2019-2020 Regular Sessions
IN SENATE
February 7, 2019
Introduced by Sen. SKOUFIS -- read twice and ordered printed, and when printed to be committed to the Committee on Finance
AN ACT to amend the state finance law, in relation to requiring software that blocks automated calls to be provided in state contracts that include information and communication technologies
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. The state finance law is amended by adding a new section 148 to read as follows:
§ 148. Automated call software. 1. As used in this section:
a. "information and communication technologies" includes, but shall not be limited to, any communication device or application including radio, television, cellular phones, computer and network hardware and software, and satellite systems as well as the various services and applications associated with them, such as videoconferencing and distance learning;
b. "caller identification information" means information provided to an end user by a caller identification service regarding the telephone number of, or other information regarding the origination of, a call made using a telecommunications service or voip service;
c. "caller identification service" means any service or device designed to provide the user of the service or device with the telephone number of, or other information regarding the origination of, a call made using a telecommunications service or voip service. Such term includes automatic number identification services; and
d. "voip service" means any service that: enables real time, two-way voice communication originating from or terminating at the user's location in internet protocol or a successor protocol; utilizes a broadband connection at the user's location; and permits a user to receive a call that originates on the public switched telephone network and to terminate a call to the public switched telephone network.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD06066-01-9
S. 3434 2
2. Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, where a contract that includes information and communication technologies is to be awarded by a state agency, public authority or municipality pursuant to a competitive bidding process or a request for proposal process, such competitive bidding process or request for proposal and the subsequent awarded contract shall require that such information and communication technologies shall make available software that blocks automated calls and calls that cause a caller identification service to transmit false caller identification information to all telephone and wireless cell phone customers. Such software shall be provided free of charge.
§ 2. This act shall take effect on the first of January next succeeding the date it shall have become a law.
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Sponsor's memo
Title of bill
An act to amend the state finance law, in relation to requiring software that blocks automated calls to be provided in state contracts that include information and communication technologies
Purpose or general idea of bill
This bill helps consumers by requiring phone service providers to make technology available that would block automated robo-solicitation calls and calls that use fake caller IDs to trick people into answering.
Summary of provisions
Section 1: Amends the state finance law by adding a new section 148 to read as follows:
1. (a)-(d) Definitions
2. Requires that where a contract that includes information and communi- cation technologies is to be awarded by a state agency, public authority or municipality pursuant to a competitive bidding process or a request for proposal process, the subsequent awarded contract shall require that software that blocks automated calls and calls that cause a caller iden- tification service to transmit false caller identification information be made available to all telephone and wireless cellphone customers. Such software must be provided free of charge.
Section 2: Effective date.
Justification
We all get them - calls from businesses, individuals and enterprises attempting to solicit you by phone even if your number is registered with the Do Not Call Registry. They use technology that transmits false caller ID information as well as automated call systems that dial thou- sands of numbers all day long. Not only are these calls annoying and cause one to screen even their legitimate calls, sometimes these calls are from criminals attempting to scam the unsuspecting, and others attempting to harass or threaten. Simply, these calls are not a legiti- mate use of telecommunication services and we should not be receiving them.
New York State and its political subdivisions contract with numerous telecommunication companies. Currently technology is available that can prevent over 80% of these calls from being transmitted to your landline or wireless phone. Telecommunications companies have a responsibility to not allow their product to be utilized for illegal purposes. This legis- lation, if passed, will prohibit any telecommunication company from contracting with New York State or any of its political subdivisions unless they provide automated call blocking technology free of charge to all their landline or wireless telephone customers in New York State.
Prior legislative history
None
Fiscal implications
None
Effective date
This act takes effect immediately.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.