OLR Bill Analysis

HB 6513

AN ACT CONCERNING SPOOFING.

SUMMARY:

This bill bars anyone from using any device to change the name or telephone number on a caller identification display on the telephone that such person is calling, except when he or she subscribes to a call blocking service provided by his or her telephone company. A telephone is any device used for voice communications in connection with the services of a telephone company, whether the communications are transmitted in analog, data, or any other form. A telephone company is any company that provides commercial telephone services, regardless of the communications technology used to provide the service, including traditional wireline or cable telephone service, cellular, broadband PCS or other wireless telephone service, microwave, satellite, other terrestrial telephone service, and voice over Internet telephone service. The bill makes a violation an unfair trade practice.

EFFECTIVE DATE: October 1, 2009

BACKGROUND

Unfair Trade Practice

The Connecticut Unfair Trade Practice Act (CUTPA) prohibits businesses from engaging in unfair and deceptive acts or practices. It allows the consumer protection commissioner to issue regulations defining what constitutes an unfair trade practice, investigate complaints, issue cease and desist orders, order restitution in cases involving less than $ 5,000, enter into consent agreements, ask the attorney general to seek injunctive relief, and accept voluntary statements of compliance. CUTPA also allows individuals to sue.  Courts may issue restraining orders, award actual and punitive damages, costs, and reasonable attorneys fees; and impose civil penalties of up to $ 5,000 for each willful violation and $ 25,000 for violation of a restraining order.

COMMITTEE ACTION

Energy and Technology Committee

Joint Favorable