Bill would add text messages to Oregon's solicitation rules; industry raises technical and enforcement concerns

Representative Nathan Sosa, state representative for House District 30, introduced House Bill 3865, a measure that would add text messages to Oregon's definition of telephone solicitation and align text messaging with the state's autodialer regulations. The bill as described at the hearing would require callers to identify themselves and the party they represent within the first 10 seconds of a call or in the main body of an initial text, limit sales‑call texts to between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m., and prohibit calling or texting more than three times in 24 hours. The bill would take effect on the 91st day following adjournment sine die.

Representative Nathan Sosa said the change is a modernization of existing telemarketing law to reflect how consumers receive solicitations today. "I am offered warranties on vehicles that I do not own. I am asked if I wanna sell property in states I've never visited," Sosa said, summarizing common consumer complaints and urging the committee to update statutes so they cover text messages.

Leslie Wu, policy adviser to Attorney General Rayfield with the Oregon Department of Justice, testified…