Relating to the Telephone Consumer Protection Act

HB 2356 amends West Virginia law to strengthen the Telephone Consumer Protection Act, primarily affecting businesses making telemarketing calls. It requires prior express written consent for automated calls or recorded messages, defining consent as a signed document (including electronic signatures) that clearly explains how calls will be made and specifies the contact number. The bill prohibits unsolicited calls using automated dialing systems or prerecorded voices without this consent, while excluding isolated transactions, charitable calls, business-to-business sales, existing customer communications, and calls following a customer inquiry. These changes aim to reduce unwanted telemarketing calls by setting clear consent standards and expanding protections for West Virginia residents.