LANSING, Mich. — Sen. Joseph Bellino on Thursday voted for bipartisan legislation to strengthen enforcement against scam robocalls.

“Michigan families are frustrated and angry about the seemingly constant harassment by spam telemarketers and robocalls,” said Bellino, R-Monroe. “Enough is enough. These measures would strengthen state consumer protections and empower the attorney general to crack down on harmful spammers who are trying to take advantage of Michigan consumers — especially our vulnerable seniors.”

Senate Bills 351-355 would:

• Create explicit rules that telephone solicitors must follow to better protect consumers.
• Prohibit telephone solicitors from blocking caller ID or displaying misleading names, phone numbers or area codes.
• Strengthen tools to allow the attorney general to investigate and pursue civil actions for alleged violations or noncompliance.
• Impose penalties and fines of up to $75,000 for telephone solicitors who target vulnerable residents.

The bills now head to the House of Representatives for consideration.

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