The National Association of Attorneys General (NAAG) shared a commitment to work collaboratively with the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) in a new letter signed by 41 attorneys general (AGs).
Recognizing the FCC’s efforts in combatting the “scourge of robocalls,” the AG signatories commended the agency for encouraging states to enter into information sharing agreements.
“We believe these information sharing agreements represent an important continuation of the progress made to date in combatting robocalls,” the AGs wrote to FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel. “The opportunity to enter these agreements honors our country’s tradition of federalism and evidences a mutual commitment to working towards addressing complex issues collaboratively.”
Not all of the AGs who signed the letter have entered into a formal memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the FCC. For those who have not yet entered into an MOU, “this letter affirms their commitment to making a good faith attempt to sign the agreements,” the AGs wrote. And for those who have, the letter “underscores their commitment to working collaboratively with the FCC to continue to combat robocalls through future investigations.”
Signatories include the AGs of Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Georgia, Guam, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Northern Mariana Islands, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming.
The AGs of 11 states—Alabama, Florida, Indiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Rhode Island, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia—did not sign the letter.
In May, the FCC announced new additions to its list of states with MOUs, reaching a total of 36 states and D.C., that have agreed “to share evidence, coordinate investigations, pool enforcement resources and work together to combat illegal robocall campaigns and protect American consumers from scams.”
“With the majority of states now coordinating with our enforcement team, we are better positioned to help protect consumers from scammers than ever before,” FCC Chair Rosenworcel said in a statement. “Enforcement is a vital tool in our fight against illegal robocalls. The states also bring with them their own unique powers like filing for injunctions and even criminal prosecutions. Together we are stronger. Together we will continue our work to protect American consumers.”
To read the letter from the AGs, click here.
Why it matters: The letter reinforces that federal and state authorities remain committed to enforcement efforts involving robocalls.