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Replaces the text "In such action," in 47 U.S.C. 503(b)(3)(B) with the specified insertion.
Modifies the opening duty language and the phrase concerning payment of costs/expenses in 47 U.S.C. 504(a): replaces "It shall be the duty" with qualifying language, and strikes the phrase "The costs and expenses of such prosecutions" and inserts replacement text.
Amends the matter preceding subparagraph (A) of 47 U.S.C. 227(b)(2) by inserting additional text before the period; the specific text to be inserted is not provided in the section excerpt.
Directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to prioritize collection of unpaid forfeiture penalties over $25,000,000 arising from violations of section 227 of the Communications Act (the TCPA/robocall/telephone equipment rules) and makes small wording changes to two enforcement provisions of Title V. It also inserts additional (but unspecified in the provided text) language into the statutory TCPA provision that governs certain restrictions on calls and equipment, leaving the exact substantive effect of that insertion unclear.
Amend Title V, section 503(b)(3)(B) (47 U.S.C. 503(b)(3)(B)) by striking the phrase "In such action," and inserting the following: "; and".
Amend Title V, section 504(a) (47 U.S.C. 504(a)) by striking the words "It shall be the duty" and inserting the words "Except as provided in the subsequent sentence, it shall be the duty".
Amend Title V, section 504(a) (47 U.S.C. 504(a)) by striking the phrase "The costs and expenses of such prosecutions" and inserting the following text: "." (text provided in the section shows the strike and insertion but does not include additional inserted wording beyond the punctuation shown).
Direct the Federal Communications Commission to prioritize enforcement of unpaid forfeiture penalties imposed for a violation of section 227 of the Communications Act (47 U.S.C. 227) when those penalties are greater than $25,000,000.
Amend 47 U.S.C. 227(b)(2): in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), insert specified text before the period. The provided file does not include the actual text to be inserted, so the specific insertion cannot be reproduced here.
Primary effects: companies and individuals found liable under 47 U.S.C. 227 (for example, telemarketers, robocall operators, certain equipment manufacturers/suppliers, and third-party callers) face a greater likelihood that very large unpaid civil forfeitures (those exceeding $25 million) will be moved to the front of the line for FCC collection efforts. Consumers and call recipients may benefit indirectly if prioritized collection increases deterrence and compliance. The FCC will need to adjust enforcement and collections prioritization and may shift staff time or administrative resources to pursue those high-dollar unpaid forfeitures. Because the inserted text into 227(b)(2) was not provided, there is uncertainty about possible substantive changes to statutory restrictions or defenses under the TCPA; that uncertainty could trigger legal review or litigation until the insertion's wording and effect are clarified. The bill does not create new funding, new programs, or deadlines, so practical impact depends on FCC administrative action and any litigation or rulemaking that follows.
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Introduced March 13, 2025 by Ben Ray Luján · Last progress March 13, 2025
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Introduced in Senate
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