SENATE PASSES BILL TO ESTABLISH STATE �DO NOT CALL� LIST

Bill Would Stop Unwanted Telemarketing Calls

Wednesday, June 14, 2000

The New York State Senate today passed legislation (S.8132), sponsored by Senator Charles Fuschillo (R-C, Merrick), which calls for the establishment of a statewide registry of consumers who do not wish to receive unsolicited telemarketing sales calls. The legislation was a primary recommendation of the Senate Majority Task Force on Privacy Invasion.

�The use of telemarketing to solicit the sale of goods and services is increasing at a tremendous pace,� Senator Fuschillo, Chairman of the Senate Consumer Protection Committee, said. �Many New Yorkers feel these telemarketing calls constitute a tremendous invasion of their personal privacy. Establishing a �do not call� registry would provide an effective mechanism to prevent these unwanted calls.�

It is estimated that over 30,000 businesses actively telemarket goods and services to businesses and consumers and that more than 300,000 telephone solicitors place calls to more than 18 million Americans every day.

�Not only do unwanted telephone sales calls invade people�s privacy at home, they also present the potential for consumer fraud,� Senate Majority Leader Joseph L. Bruno said. �While most companies engaging in telemarketing are legitimate businesses, there are some unscrupulous businesses that prey on consumers, particularly the elderly. A �do not call� list would help reduce the incidence of telemarketing fraud which the FBI has estimated costs consumers up to $60 billion a year.�
Under the provisions of the bill, the State Consumer Protection Board would establish and maintain a �do not call� registry. It would be updated at least quarterly for distribution to telemarketers, who would then be prohibited from making unsolicited sales calls to persons listed in the registry.

The Board would provide a toll free number which consumers could call to list themselves on the registry, which may also be accessed via the Internet.

Violators could be fined up to $2,000 per violation. Penalties relating to the �do not call� registry may be used be the Board for public education and promotion of the registry.

The bill was sent to the Assembly.

[BIOGRAPHY] [DISTRICT MAP] [PHOTO GALLERY] [LEGISLATION] [CONSTITUENT SERVICES] [YOUR OPINION COUNTS] [GUESTBOOK] [PRIVACY POLICY] [SENATE INSIDER] [CONTACT INFO] [HOME/NEWS]