State senators hope to ban unsolicited text messages from telemarketers. They recently passed a multi-part bill that adds texts to the “Do Not Call” list.
“We know that text messaging is something that advertisers are using right now, they’re trying to creep into your cell phones, your smart phones and get us wherever we’re going,” said Sen. Donald Williams.
The proposed law also slaps a $20,000 fine on companies that contact people on the “Do Not Call” list, up from an $11,000 penalty.
Connecticut cell phone users like Louis Bernard like the idea. The University of Connecticut freshman said he gets unwelcomed phone calls on a daily basis.
“I’m in class and the phone rings and I have to pick it up and it’s someone I don’t know asking about ‘Have you pursued your education?’ or ‘Are you in need of a grant or a loan?’” said Bernard.
He said he didn’t know about the “Do Not Call” list, something legislators hope a third part of this bill addresses. It requires phone companies to provide information on how to report a complaint and how to join the registry, too.
“I will definitely sign up for that list and hopefully those companies get charged and then they’ll think twice about dialing my number,” Bernard said.
Roshena Moore is interested in the texting ban because she said she receives telemarketer messages often.
“I either put them on the spam list and somebody else texts back and I’m just like you know what? Ok, I’m just going to ignore it,” said Moore.
She and Bernard appreciate their elected officials are squeezing consumer laws onto their long agenda.
“It’s about time. They need to. Seriously. Because like I said before, it’s not right, it’s not fair and if they’re going to be false advertising, they should pay for it,” said Moore.
The bill is expected to pass the Connecticut House next week.