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Anti-slamming Amendments Act

Referred to the Subcommittee on Telecommunications, Trade, and Consumer Protection.

Official summary

Version 00 · Introduced in Senate · Feb 9, 1998

Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require that, in order for a telecommunications carrier to verify a subscriber's selection of a telephone exchange or toll service provider, such carrier shall, at a minimum, require the subscriber to: (1) acknowledge the type of service to be changed by the selection; (2) affirm the intent to select the service provider; (3) affirm the subscriber's authority to make such selection for that telephone number; (4) acknowledge that such selection will result in a change of service provider; (5) acknowledge that the individual making such communication is the subscriber; and (6) provide any other such information as considered appropriate for the subscriber's protection. Requires Federal Communications Commission (FCC) selection verification procedures to: (1) preclude the use of negative option marketing; (2) provide for verification of a change of service in oral, written, or electronic form; and (3) require the retention of such verification in a manner and form and for such time as considered appropriate by the FCC. Makes the above provisions inapplicable to providers of commercial mobile service. Requires a carrier selected by a subscriber to notify the subscriber in writing not more than 15 days after such selection, and to include the name of the individual who authorized such change. Provides for the prompt resolution of complaints concerning an unauthorized change. Requires the FCC to provide a simplified process for resolving such complaints, and authorizes the FCC to award damages in the amount of $500 or the actual damages, if greater. Provides penalties for violations of this section and authorizes the FCC to collect fines and damages. Authorizes a State to bring an action on behalf of its residents when it has reason to believe that a carrier has or is engaged in a practice of changing service providers without subscriber authority. Gives Federal courts exclusive jurisdiction over such actions. Requires the FCC to be notified of any such action. Directs the FCC to issue a report on the telemarketing practices used by carriers to solicit subscriber service changes. Authorizes the FCC to initiate a rulemaking to prohibit the use of any practices found to likely mislead, deceive, or confuse subscribers.

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Who introduced it

Sen. McCain, John [R-AZ] · R–AZ

Committees

  • Energy and Commerce Committee
  • Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee
19 cosponsorship records, including any withdrawals

Actions

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  1. Referred to the Subcommittee on Telecommunications, Trade, and Consumer Protection.

  2. Referred to the House Committee on Commerce.

  3. Held at the desk.

  4. Message on Senate action sent to the House.

  5. Received in the House.

  6. Passed Senate with an amendment by Yea-Nay Vote. 99-0. Record Vote No: 130.

    Senate roll call 130 · Individual votes
  7. Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with an amendment by Yea-Nay Vote. 99-0. Record Vote No: 130.

    Senate roll call 130 · Individual votes
  8. Measure laid before Senate by unanimous consent. (consideration: CR S4683-4709)

  9. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. 356.

  10. Committee on Commerce. Reported to Senate by Senator McCain with amendments. With written report No. 105-183.

  11. Committee on Commerce. Reported to Senate by Senator McCain with amendments. With written report No. 105-183.

  12. Committee on Commerce. Ordered to be reported with amendments favorably.

  13. Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce.

  14. Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S517)

  15. Introduced in Senate

Bill text & related measures

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Related bills identified by Congress.gov

No related bills are listed in this snapshot. This does not establish whether the proposal has appeared in earlier Congresses.

Source last updated: Sep 8, 2026. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.

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