House approves tighter no-call list after long debate over exemptions

The Utah House on Feb. 28 passed the second substitute of House Bill 45, a telephone solicitation and no-call list measure, after an extended debate focused on who should be exempt from the ban.

Sponsor Representative Olson urged members to restore a more straightforward no-call list by striking broad exemptions that had been inserted in committee. He argued the telephone is private property and that residential telephone owners should be able to prevent unsolicited commercial calls. The sponsor emphasized consumer frustration, particularly among seniors, and cited public polling showing strong support for a no-call list.

Opponents and amendment proponents raised a range of concerns: licensed professionals worried that the bill as amended could bar ordinary referral calls; industry groups and certain nonprofits sought exemptions for fundraising or affiliated activity; and several members warned about job impacts in the telemarketing sector, which was estimated on the floor to involve 40,000–60,000 workers in Utah.

Lawmakers proposed multiple substitute amendments (pink-sheet changes and committee deletions) to narrow or expand exemptions, and the House divided and voted on several versions. Representative Olson’s motion to remove most exemptions and return the bill to a stricter no-call standard ultimately passed. The House later approved the second substitute as amended by a recorded vote of 43–26 and referred it to the Senate.

Supporters said the bill will give residents control over unsolicited calls and protect vulnerable populations. Opponents said it risked unintended consequences for small in-state businesses and charities and urged careful drafting and potential interim study to assess job impacts and carve-outs for legitimate commercial or professional contacts.

The bill now moves to the Senate for further consideration.