Rep. Gable files bill in North Carolina House to regulate telemarketer caller ID practices

A new bill filed by State Rep. Wyatt Gable in the North Carolina House seeks to address privacy abuses and deceptive practices by telemarketers regarding caller identification, according to the North Carolina State House.

The bill, filed as HB 520 on March 25 during the 2025 regular session, was formally listed with the short title: ‘Abuse and Deception by Telemarketers.’

The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.

In essence, this bill addresses the abuse of privacy and deceptive practices by telemarketers concerning misleading caller identification in North Carolina. It stipulates that telephone subscribers have ownership rights over their phone numbers as per their contract with the carrier. The bill prohibits telephone solicitors from transmitting misleading information via caller ID or misrepresenting the origin of the call. Telephone carriers must not knowingly provide subscriber numbers to entities that would violate these provisions, though they are not liable for telemarketer violations. Subscribers can take legal action against violators, including injunctions and monetary damages ranging from $500 for the first violation to $5,000 for subsequent offenses. Each willful violation incurs an additional $10,000 fine, with knowing violators facing possible felony charges. This act takes effect Dec. 1, 2025, applying to calls made on or after that date.

Of the four sponsors of this bill, John R. Bell, IV proposed the most bills (20) during the 2025 regular session.

Bills in North Carolina follow a multi-step process before becoming law. A lawmaker starts by filing a bill, which is assigned to a committee for review. The bill must be read three times in each chamber. If one chamber changes the bill after the other passes it, both must agree on the final version. Once both chambers approve the same bill, it goes to the governor, who has 10 days (or 30 if the legislature is not in session) to sign, veto, or let it become law without a signature.

You can read more about the bills and other measures here.

Gable graduated from East Carolina University in 2025 with a BS.

Gable, a Republican, was elected to the North Carolina State House in 2025 to represent the state’s 14th House district, replacing previous state representative George Cleveland.