SB 224 Ohio Senate · 136th Legislature (2025-2026)

Make changes to the telemarketing law

SB 224, titled "Make changes to the telemarketing law," proposes amendments to section 109.87 of the Revised Code governing telemarketing practices. The provided abstract does not specify the exact nature of the changes or who would be directly affected, such as telemarketers, consumers, or specific industries. Without details on the proposed mechanisms or provisions in the bill text, no concrete policy changes can be described. For an accurate summary, the full bill language or a detailed abstract would be required.
Bill status passed 3 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Jun 2025
Committee Review
Nov 2025
Senate Passage
Nov 2025
House Passage
Governor
Introduced Jun 18, 2025 Last action Nov 12, 2025
Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

As Introduced As Passed by the Senate · 7 edits · Nov 5, 2025
MODERATE
This bill amends Ohio's telemarketing law to align state definitions and enforcement procedures with federal regulations. The changes clarify terminology for voice services and text messages, expand the attorney general's investigative powers, and establish new civil penalty structures for violations. These updates strengthen consumer protections while ensuring consistency with federal telemarketing standards.
Scope change
The bill's scope remains focused on telemarketing regulation but now explicitly incorporates federal definitions and enforcement mechanisms, expanding the legal framework to better cover modern communication technologies like VoIP and internet-based messaging services.
DEFINITION

Updated definitions for 'voice service provider,' 'voice service,' and 'text message' to include modern communication technologies like VoIP and internet protocol-enabled messaging services.

ENFORCEMENT

Added new provisions granting the attorney general expanded investigative powers, including subpoena authority, ability to designate representatives for out-of-state evidence, and procedures for compelling testimony.

Created new mechanisms for the attorney general to suspend investigations, accept voluntary compliance assurances, and reopen investigations when necessary.

REQUIREMENT

Established specific civil penalty amounts ($500 per violation, up to $1,500 for willful violations) and a five-year statute of limitations for bringing enforcement actions.

FISCAL

Required that civil penalties collected be deposited into the telemarketing fraud enforcement fund to support investigation and enforcement costs.

ELIGIBILITY

Added exemptions for voice service providers meeting specific criteria, including those operating as incumbent local exchange carriers or eligible telecommunications carriers.

TECHNICAL

Removed page numbers and formatting markers from the original text as part of the legislative process transition.

Floor votes · Senate Nov 6, 2025

How they voted

330
Passed
Total votes 33
Nov 6, 2025
D Democratic9
9 Yea
100% Yea
R Republican24
24 Yea
100% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea All Nay Mixed No data
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
7
Key actions
2
Committee
2
Nov 12, 2025
Committee
Referred to committee
lower
Nov 10, 2025
Introduced
Introduced
lower
Nov 6, 2025
Senate · Passed
Senate Vote: pass (33-0)
senate
Nov 5, 2025
Upper · Passed
Passed
upper
Jun 25, 2025
Committee
Referred to committee
upper
Jun 18, 2025
Introduced
Introduced
upper
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Theresa Gavarone
Theresa Gavarone
RRepublican
OH
2