S.965

Allows callers to speak or leave a recorded message with a human operator at certain State and local government entities during business hours.

This bill mandates that State agencies and local units, which are required by law to provide a telephone number for public contact and use an automated answering service, must allow callers to press zero during normal business hours to speak with or leave a recorded message for a human operator. This applies to entities such as municipalities, counties, and various State departments. The act will take effect 90 days after enactment, though agencies may prepare in advance.