H.R. 7299 — Introduced in House

I 116th CONGRESS 2d Session H. R. 7299 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES June 22, 2020Ms. Sherrill (for herself, Mr. King of New York, Mr. Fitzpatrick, Ms. Stefanik, Mr. Gottheimer, Ms. Blunt Rochester, and Mr. Sean Patrick Maloney of New York) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce A BILL To prohibit the use of telephone calls or text messages for unfair or deceptive acts or practices relating to COVID–19, and for other purposes. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the COVID–19 Stop Calling Americans Maliciously Act or the COVID–19 SCAM Act. 2. Prohibition on the use of telephone calls or text messages for unfair or deceptive acts or practices relating to COVID–19 (a) In general It shall be unlawful for any person to make or place a telephone call or send a text message to offer a good or service or make a solicitation if during such call or text message the person conveys materially misleading or inaccurate information relating to COVID–19 as part of such offer or solicitation. (b) Enforcement by Federal Trade Commission (1) In general A violation of subsection (a) shall be treated as a violation of a regulation under section 18(a)(1)(B) of the Federal Trade Commission Act (15 U.S.C. 57a(a)(1)(B)) regarding unfair or deceptive acts or practices. (2) Powers of Commission The Commission shall enforce subsection (a) in the same manner, by the same means, and with the same jurisdiction, powers, and duties as though all applicable terms and provisions of the Federal Trade Commission Act (15 U.S.C. 41 et seq.) were incorporated into and made a part of this Act. Any person who violates such subsection shall be subject to the penalties and entitled to the privileges and immunities provided in the Federal Trade Commission Act. (c) Text message defined The term text message has the meaning given the term in section 227(e)(8)(C) of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 227(e)(8)(C)).