Rep. Blust files bill in North Carolina House to strengthen do not call registry

A new bill filed by State Rep. John M. Blust in the North Carolina House seeks to strengthen regulations on telephone solicitations and protect consumers from unwanted calls and texts, according to the North Carolina State House.

The bill, filed as HB 916 on April 10 during the 2025 regular session, was formally listed with the short title: ‘Strengthen Do Not Call/Text Registry.’

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

In essence, this bill aims to strengthen the Do Not Call/Do Not Text Registry in North Carolina by modifying definitions and restrictions related to telephone solicitations. It clarifies the definition of telephone solicitation to include both voice and text communications, whether live, prerecorded, or by facsimile, and encompasses communications seeking charitable donations or participation in contests. The bill defines a telephone solicitor as any business or individual making such solicitations, including telemarketers. Additionally, it mandates that if a called party listed on the Do Not Call Registry requests no further contact, the solicitor and any affiliates must cease calls to that number within 30 business days. It holds entities jointly liable if they knowingly accept leads generated by others in violation of restrictions on automatic dialing and recorded messages. The act is effective upon becoming law.

Of the three sponsors of this bill, Pricey Harrison proposed the most bills (53) 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.

Blust graduated from the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill in 1979 with a BS and again in 1982 from University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill with a JD.

Blust, a Republican, was elected to the North Carolina State House in 2024 to represent the state’s 62nd House district, replacing previous state representative John Faircloth Jr..