S-134 : Still Just a Bill

Spoofing Prevention Act of 2017

This bill amends the Communications Act of 1934 to expand the prohibition against knowingly transmitting misleading or inaccurate caller identification information to apply to: (1) persons outside the United States if the recipient of the call is within the United States, and (2) text messages.

Existing caller identification requirements that apply to calls made using a telecommunications service or IP-enabled voice service are revised to apply to: (1) voice communications using resources from the North American Numbering Plan; and (2) transmissions from a telephone facsimile machine, computer, or other device to a telephone facsimile machine.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) must collaborate with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to regularly update education materials that help consumers identify: (1) scams and fraudulent activity that rely upon misleading or inaccurate caller identification information, and (2) existing technologies that consumers can use to protect against such fraud.

The Government Accountability Office must report on: (1) actions taken, or actions that could be taken, by the FCC or the FTC to combat the fraudulent provision of misleading or inaccurate caller identification information; and (2) any recommendations to combat the fraudulent provision of such information.

Action Timeline

Action DateTypeTextSource
2017-08-04FloorHeld at the desk.House floor actions
2017-08-04FloorReceived in the House.House floor actions
2017-08-04FloorMessage on Senate action sent to the House.Senate
2017-08-03FloorPassed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S4817-4818; text: CR S4817-4818)Senate
2017-06-06CalendarsPlaced on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 117.Senate
2017-06-06CommitteeCommittee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator Thune with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. With written report No. 115-91.Senate
2017-01-24CommitteeCommittee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.Senate
2017-01-12IntroReferralRead twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S317-318)Senate
2017-01-12IntroReferralIntroduced in SenateLibrary of Congress

Policy Area :

Science, Technology, Communications
See Subjects
  • Administrative law and regulatory procedures
  • Consumer affairs
  • Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
  • Fraud offenses and financial crimes
  • Telephone and wireless communication

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