MILAM/GREENSTEIN BILL THAT CALLS ON FCC NOT TO WEAKEN NEW JERSEY'S 'DO NOT CALL' LAW ADVANCES

MILAM/GREENSTEIN BILL THAT CALLS ON FCC NOT TO WEAKEN NEW JERSEY'S 'DO NOT CALL' LAW ADVANCES

(TRENTON) - Legislation Assembly members Matthew W. Milam and Linda Greenstein sponsored calling on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) not to weaken New Jersey's 'Do Not Call' telemarketing law was released today by the Assembly Telecommunications and Utilities panel.

The measure (AR-88) calls on the FCC to dismiss a petition by telemarketers asking for an exception to the law in the case of residents with whom they have done business in the past 18 months, even if the residents are on the state's 'no telemarketing call' list.

"By approving the petition, the FCC would be denying residents' the right to privacy and protection from a bombardment of sales calls," said Milam (D-Cumberland). "The FCC must deny efforts by telemarketers to sneak in through the back door to reach consumers with intrusive calls they have clearly indicated they do not want."

"The public has demonstrated in overwhelming numbers that they do not want telemarketers bothering them at all hours," said Greenstein (D-Middlesex/Mercer). "We do not want to provide only partial protection from unwanted phone calls. By bending to the will of telemarketers, the FCC would be turning a cold shoulder to the will of millions of New Jersey residents who have signed up on the do-not-call-list."

Assemblywoman Greenstein was sponsor of New Jersey's 'Do Not Call' law - widely regarded as the toughest anti-telemarketing legislation in the nation.

It has received an overwhelming response from consumers, with more than 2.8 million state residents signing up for the 'Do Not Call' list.

The national registry of individuals who have signed up on the do-not-call list has grown to over 149 million phone numbers.

The 'Do Not Call' registry prohibits telemarketers from calling phone numbers on the list. Companies face fines of up to $11,000 for each violation.

The Assembly panel released the bill 5 to 0 with 0 abstentions. It now heads to the Assembly Speaker who will decide if and when to post it for a floor vote.

- 30 -