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For Immediate
Release
4/30/08
Contact:
Erik Arneson
(717) 787-4712
Senate Approves Sen. Pileggi's Legislation to
Create a Do-Not-Call List for Political Robo-Calls
Legislation introduced by Senate
Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi (R-9) which would allow Pennsylvanians to
stop receiving political robo-calls was approved today by the full Senate,
48 to 1.
"We just came through a hotly contested
presidential primary during which some people received four or more robo-calls
every day leading up to the election," said Sen. Pileggi. "These calls are
an intrusion into our homes. People are busier than ever, often working
multiple jobs. If you don't want to receive these calls, you should have
that option."
In 1996, Pennsylvania created a
Do-Not-Call List for commercial telemarketers. "Many Pennsylvanians have
signed up to be on that list," Sen. Pileggi said. "It is time to let them do
the same for political robo-calls."
Senate Bill 820 would establish a
separate Do-Not-Call List for political robo-calls. As with the existing
Do-Not Call List, the Attorney General would be responsible for maintaining
the Do-Not-Call List for automated political calls.
The first Do-Not-Call List for
political robo-calls would be required to be in use by October 15, 2008, in
time for this fall's election season.
Under Senate Bill 820, it would be
illegal for any political candidate or organization – including so-called
527 groups – to make an automated political call to any resident who signs
up to be on the list.
Offenders would be subject to penalties
of up to $1,000 per violation.
Senate Bill 820 does not prohibit live
political calls. Candidates and political organizations will still be able to
contact all voters by telephone as long as they have a real person making the
call.
Senate Bill 820 now moves to the House
for consideration.
More information about state issues can
be found on Sen. Pileggi's web site,
www.senatorpileggi.com.
Additional Information:
Reform
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