AARP Ohio Supports 'Do-Not-Call' Legislation
Source: AARP.org | May 5, 2003
AARP Ohio Supports "Do-Not-Call" Legislation
AARP Ohio is backing "do-not-call" legislation introduced during Consumer Protection Week by Ohio Senator Robert Spada, R-North Royalton, and supported by Ohio Attorney General Jim Petro and the Ohio Consumers Counsel.
"In today's technology-fueled information age, consumers value their privacy more than ever," said AARP Ohio advocacy volunteer Jill Thomas. "Our members believe a 'do-not-call' law will give them more control over unsolicited intrusions into their homes and help them avoid potentially fraudulent telemarketing calls."
Ohio Senate Bill 28 would restrict all companies that are telemarketing to Ohio residents from calling any home telephone, cell phone, pager or fax number placed on the "do-not-call" list. The list would be under the authority of the Attorney General's Office. Telemarketers doing business in Ohio would be required to purchase the list. Penalties for violating the law would include fines of up to $2,000 per call.
"Every time, in every state, that AARP has conducted a survey on this issue, more than 90 percent of our members support 'do-not-call' legislation," AARP Ohio Government Affairs Representative Ron Bridges said. "Privacy matters to our members. They want to sit down for dinner, visit with family during precious free time and go to bed at night without the frequent, jarring ring of unwanted telemarketing calls."
The bill introduced by Senator Spada prohibits pre-recorded telemarketing messages unless there is an established business relationship between the company and the consumer. It also restricts the use of automated dialing systems, or "predictive dialers," that randomly call multiple telephone numbers simultaneously. The legislation also calls for a simple sign-up system that allows consumers to register at no cost by calling a toll-free number, logging on to an Internet site, or sending a message via the U.S. Postal Service.
"Personal data is routinely collected and sold by merchants with whom consumers have done business," Bridges said. "This personal data is then shared with or bought by companies looking to increase their customer base or earn profits by selling names of prospective clients to financial entities. This law won't stop every unsolicited call, but consumers who sign up should experience a truly significant reduction in solicitation calls."
News Channel 5 in Cleveland, which covers Senator Spada's district, is campaigning to help pass Senate Bill 28. Show your support for the bill by signing the station's Do-Not-Call petition.
If you would like to take part in the AARP Ohio campaign to pass this legislation, join AARP's network of citizen advocates. Or, contact the AARP Ohio Office at 1 S. High St., Columbus, OH 43215, phone (614) 224-9800, fax (614) 224-9801. You can send an e-mail to your state senator by going to the AARP Legislative Action Center. By phone, call 1-800-282-0253 to leave a message for your state legislator.
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