Rhode Island TCPA and telemarketing law
Rhode Island has its own telemarketing statute with a private right of action. Its consent standard is stricter than the current federal one.
| Statute | R.I. Gen. Laws § 5-61-1 et seq. | ↗ |
| Consent standard | Prior express consent | ↗ |
| Stricter than federal | Yes | ↗ |
| Private right of action | Yes | ↗ |
| Statutory damages | Not yet verified | |
| Covers text messages | Yes | ↗ |
| Cure period | Not yet verified |
Rhode Island's Telephone Sales Solicitation Act, R.I. Gen. Laws chapter 5-61, regulates telephonic sellers through registration, disclosures within the first thirty seconds, calling hours, and do-not-call procedures that follow federal rules. A seller may not use an automatic-dialing-announcing device unless the subscriber has consented or a live operator first obtains consent. The Act also bars text message advertisements to Rhode Island cell phones, with exceptions for carriers, businesses with an existing relationship that offer an opt-out, and consented affiliates.
A purchaser harmed by a material violation may sue for triple the amount actually paid, and the court may award attorney's fees. Any person may seek an injunction. The attorney general can seek civil penalties of up to $10,000 per violation, and willful violations are crimes punishable by fines up to $10,000 per transaction.