Pennsylvania Enacts New Telemarketing Restrictions

Act 47 sets strict time limits for robocalls and text solicitations to protect residents from unwanted outreach.

Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Law

Bold flat-color editorial illustration showing a heavy brass bell on a stone plinth, symbolizing the new restrictions on telemarketing outreach.
Pennsylvania has enacted Act 47, a new law restricting the hours during which telemarketers may send robocalls and text messages to state residents. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Pennsylvania has implemented Act 47 of 2026, a new law that restricts telemarketing solicitations across the state. The legislation prohibits calls, text messages, and ringless voicemails from occurring outside designated hours.

Why it matters

The measure addresses the growing nuisance of scam messages and unsolicited calls that have caused residents financial harm. By standardizing communication windows, the law aims to curb deceptive practices.

Act 47 mandates that telemarketing calls are prohibited before 9 a.m. and after 7 p.m., as well as on Sundays and all legal holidays.

The players

Michele Brooks

She is a member of the Pennsylvania State Senate who co-sponsored the legislation.

Scott Hutchinson

He is a member of the Pennsylvania State Senate who served as a co-sponsor for Act 47.

The details

The law expands consumer protections by specifically regulating modern digital outreach methods, including text messages and ringless voicemails. Supporters intend for these rules to provide residents with consistent relief from persistent telemarketing interruptions.

Timeline

  1. Act 47 of 2026 took effect on Monday, October 19, 2026.

Political Context

Opponents or industry lobbyists often argue that such state-level restrictions complicate compliance for national businesses operating across multiple jurisdictions. These groups frequently emphasize the potential for fragmented regulatory requirements that could stifle outreach effectiveness.

Residents can now expect a legal reduction in unsolicited commercial communications during early mornings, late evenings, and weekends. These regulations provide a clear standard that citizens can cite when reporting persistent telemarketing violations.

The takeaway

This law empowers residents by establishing clear boundaries for acceptable commercial contact times. Establishing these habits may help reduce exposure to common scams that often target individuals during off-peak hours.

Further reading

For more on state-level regulatory changes, visit Pennsylvania Law.

Source note: This article includes information reported by Butlereagle.

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