Title 5
Businesses and Professions

Chapter 61
Telephone Sales Solicitation Act

R.I. Gen. Laws § 5-61-3.4

§ 5-61-3.4. Use of prerecorded or synthesized voice messages.

(a) A telephonic seller shall not use or connect to a telephone line an automatic-dialing-announcing device unless: (1) The subscriber has knowingly or voluntarily requested, consented to, permitted, or authorized receipt of the message; or (2) The message is immediately preceded by a live operator who obtains the subscriber’s consent before the message is delivered.

(b) This section does not apply to:

(1) Recorded messages from school districts to students, parents, or employees; or

(2) Messages advising employees of work schedules.

(c) Whenever the message is preceded by a live operator, the operator must, at the outset of the message, disclose:

(1) The name of the business, firm, organization, association, partnership, or entity for which the message is being made;

(2) The purpose of the message;

(3) The identity or kinds of goods or services the message is promoting; and

(4) If applicable, the fact that the message intends to solicit payment or commitment of funds.

(d) A telephonic seller shall not use an automatic-dialing-announcing device to make calls into or within this state, unless the device is designed and operated so as to create a disconnect signal or an on-hook condition that allows the subscriber’s line to be released within five (5) seconds after termination of the telephone call by the subscriber.

History of Section.
P.L. 1999, ch. 456, § 2.