Committee backs robocall mitigation bill that gives AG enforcement authority

Representative Mike Johnson presented House Bill 11-40 as a balanced, enforceable step to reduce spoofed and fraudulent calls that target elderly and vulnerable residents. Johnson said the bill applies to telecommunication providers and intermediate carriers that originate or route calls; it requires providers to implement available call-authentication technology, maintain robocall mitigation plans, take reasonable steps to detect spoof calls on their network, and respond to the attorney general when illegal activity is identified. "We owe the public more," Johnson said, noting many older constituents have been repeatedly targeted.

The proposed law would give the attorney general enforcement authority and civil penalties of up to $10,000 per knowing violation, with protections for providers acting in good faith and no strict liability. Several members praised the bill as a public-safety and consumer-protection measure; Representative Jordan flagged potential preemption questions and suggested revisiting the 30-day cure window to reduce fraud risk during the cure period. Johnson said he would consider changes and seek stakeholder input.

The committee recorded no formal opposition during testimony and adopted the amendments presented in committee. Chairman Desautels moved to report HB 11-40 as amended; there were no objections and the bill was reported favorable by voice vote.

Next steps: HB 11-40 will be scheduled for House floor consideration; sponsors expect continued technical conversations to address enforcement timelines and potential private rights of action.