May 19, 2022

1pm- 2pm Eastern

General: Robocall Me Maybe? Examining Automated Calls by Cities in Light of the FCC’s Broadnet Order on Reconsideration

Description: As local governments seek to streamline processes and efficiently utilize funds in continually decreasing budgets, some are turning to automated phone calls and text messages (“robocalls” and “robotexts”) as a cost‐effective option to communicate with citizens. This session discusses the applicable federal laws and regulations that govern automated calls, including the Telephone Consumer Protection Act of 1991 as well as the associated FCC rules, orders, and rulings, with a focus on the FCC’s Broadnet Order on Reconsideration, released December 14, 2020, that formally applied these federal laws and regulations to local governments and their contractors. This session also discusses practical considerations and best practices for local governments when contacting citizens by automated calls and texts, including those related to telephone town halls, municipal court cases, water utility service, and COVID‐19 information.

Speaker: David Johnson  

David Johnson is an Assistant City Attorney for the City of Arlington, Texas, where he has served since 2008. His practice focuses on utilities, telecommunications, ethics, elections, open meetings, and boards and commissions. David received his Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from Texas A&M University and his Juris Doctor from Texas Wesleyan University School of Law (now Texas A&M University School of Law). David is on the Board of Directors of the Texas Coalition of Cities For Utility Issues as well as the Executive Committees of the Oncor Cities Steering Committee and the Atmos Cities Steering Committee. David is also an IMLA Local Government Fellow.