California · Business and Professions Code - BPC

BPC §17539.55: (a) It shall be unlawful to operate a sweepstakes in this state through the use of a 900 number, unless the information provider registers with the Department of Justice as provided in this section wi

Civil

What this law says, in plain English

Sweepstakes operators using 900 numbers must register with the Department of Justice within 10 days of advertising, submit detailed information and materials, pay a $50 annual fee per number, and cannot claim DOJ approval.

Read the full statutory text
(a) It shall be unlawful to operate a sweepstakes in this state through the use of a 900 number, unless the information provider registers with the Department of Justice as provided in this section within 10 days after causing any advertisement for the sweepstakes to be directed to any person in this state. (b) The registration shall include the following information: (1) Each 900 number to be used in the sweepstakes. (2) The name and address of the information provider including corporate identity, if any, and the name and address for the information provider’s agent for service of process within the state. (3) A copy of the information provider’s audio text, prerecorded, or live operator scripts. (4) A copy of the official rules for the sweepstakes. (5) For television, video, or any on-screen advertisements, a copy of the storyboard and video recording. (6) For radio advertisements, a copy of the script and audio recording. (7) For print or electronic form transmitted over the Internet, a copy of all advertisements. (8) For direct mail solicitations, a copy of all principal solicitations. (9) For telephone solicitations, a copy of the script. (10) The names of the carriers that the information provider plans to utilize to carry the 900 number calls. (c) The information provider shall pay an annual registration fee of fifty dollars ($50) for each 900 number used for sweepstakes purposes. (d) It shall be unlawful for any information provider that operates a sweepstakes to make reference, in any contact with the public, to the fact that the information provider is registered with the Department of Justice, as required by this section, or in any other manner imply that that registration represents approval of the sweepstakes by the Department of Justice.

Verify at the official source: California legislative text

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