Hang up on Spam: Tennessee targets robocalls

Tennesseans may soon see fewer unwanted phone calls interrupting their day under new legislation aimed at cracking down on robocalls.

The Tennessee House of Representatives approved a bill this week that would put firm limits on how many automated calls companies can make and require more transparency about how often those calls are happening. Supporters say the goal is simple: cut down on nuisance calls and protect people — especially seniors — from scams.

House Bill 1447, sponsored by State Rep. Charlie Baum, R-Murfreesboro, would cap companies at 10,000 robocalls per month. Businesses that make large volumes of automated calls would also have to start keeping detailed records of how many calls they place.