Tennessee Do Not Call/Text Program

The Tennessee Do Not Call/Text Program is designed to provide relief to Tennessee citizens from unwanted telemarketing calls or texts.

The Tennessee Do-Not-Call / Do-Not-Text Telephone Sales Solicitation law  T.C.A. Section 65-4-401 et seq., directs the Tennessee Public Utility Commission to promulgate regulations and to compile and maintain
a "Do-Not-Call / Do-Not-Text Register." The register consists of land line and cell phone numbers of Tennessee residential telephone subscribers who have elected not to receive telephone solicitations. Business numbers may not be included on the list.

The law prohibits those attempting to sell consumer goods and services by telephone from calling or texting telephone numbers that appear on the " Do-Not-Call / Do-Not-Text" Register. However, there are some exemptions:  First, telephone solicitors may still contact in response to an express invitation or permission by the person being contacted.  Second, solicitors may contact on behalf of a not-for-profit organization if the call or text is made by a member of the specific not-for-profit organization.  Third, soliciting is allowed if the person or entity making the call or text has had a business relationship with the person being contacted within the previous twelve (12) months.  Fourth, solicitation is permitted if the business contacting does not sell or engage in telephone solicitation and does not make more than three (3) calls or texts in any one
calendar week.

The Tennessee Do-Not-Call / Do-Not-Text law only authorizes the regulation of telemarketing for commercial purposes; political telemarketing is not covered by this law.  Because of free speech guarantees in the U.S. Constitution, the U.S. Supreme Court has allowed for the regulation of commercial speech but has provided political speech with much greater protection from government regulation. Therefore, political speech,
including telemarketing promoting such, is not regulated by any state or federal Do-Not-Call / Do-Not-Text program.  For non-registration questions, call 615-741-2904 or 615-770-6897.

Do Not Call/Text Manager

Jimmie Hughes
Consumer Services Division
jimmie.hughes@tn.gov