Pennsylvania just gave its telemarketing law a long-overdue update. Senate Bill 992 took effect on October 19, 2026, and it changes:
- How businesses get consent
- When they can call
- How they handle texts and AI-generated messages
Here’s what you need to know.
Why Were These Changes Introduced?
The Telemarketer Registration Act hadn’t been updated in almost 30 years. The new version aligns with modern outreach methods, including:
- Robocalls
- SMS (text) messages
- Ringless voicemails
- AI-generated messaging
What Are the New Laws?
If you’re a telemarketer, here’s what you need to know to stay compliant moving forward:
1. Get written consent before making robocalls.
Before making robocalls, you must have documented, written consent to contact from the person. The agreement can be signed electronically, but it must:
- Identify the specific phone number
- Clearly state that the person agrees to receive marketing calls, robocalls or texts
- Explain that consent is not required to make a purchase
- Include the person’s signature
Keep proof of consent on file in case you ever need to show you’re compliant.
2. Update calling schedules.
The new rules narrow the hours when you can make solicitation calls. You can’t call on Sundays and must restrict calls on other days to 9 a.m.–7 p.m. based on the recipient’s local time, rather than your business’s time zone.
3. Honor text opt-outs.
Make it easy for subscribers to stop receiving marketing texts. Pennsylvania recognizes replies such as “stop,” “quit,” “end,” “revoke,” “opt out,” “cancel” and “unsubscribe” as opt-out requests.
Businesses should:
- Document how they handle these replies
- Maintain updated do-not-contact lists
- Train employees on the process
Following the required procedures can help protect against liability.
4. Review registration requirements.
There are some updates to registration exemptions and adds a new one for communications that aren’t considered telephone solicitations. Since communications made with qualifying written consent are excluded from that definition, some businesses may no longer need to register.
Under the old wording, a business could be required to register as a telemarketer even if it didn’t make a “telephone solicitation call.” The updated law addresses this gap, so review the new requirements to see whether your business still needs to register.
5. Avoid deceptive practices.
Businesses also need to review how they collect consent and identify themselves to callers. Pennsylvania prohibits deceptive practices used to get permission for marketing messages, as well as machine-generated messages used to mislead subscribers. This includes AI-generated scam calls and certain forms of caller ID spoofing.
Is There a New Bond Requirement?
No, Pennsylvania telemarketers still need a $50,000 Telemarketing Entity Bond to register with the Attorney General. However, some businesses may qualify for an exemption under the updated law.
Next Steps
Pennsylvania’s updated Telemarketer Registration Act took effect on October 19, 2026. Review the new requirements to make sure your business follows the updated consent, calling-hour and opt-out rules. You should also confirm whether your business needs to register and maintain the required bond.
For any questions, refer to the Office of Attorney General website or call 1 (800) 308-4358 to speak with one of our surety experts.