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Community Corner

O'Neill Supports Measure Banning Unsolicited Texts

HARTFORD – State Representative Arthur J. O’Neill (R-69) has sponsored legislation this session which bans telephone solicitors from creating unwanted intrusions by sending unsolicited text messages to consumers if they are on the state’s “Do Not Call” registry to mobile telephones or other electronic devices with the exception of email.  Solicitors are permitted to send marketing texts or make calls if they receive prior written consent from the customer. 

The bill passed unanimously in the House of Representatives this afternoon.

“Unsolicited electronic communications via text and cellphone are almost always an unwanted nuisance,” said Rep. O’Neill, who also supported the bill in the Judiciary Committee.  “Under current law and this bill they are also deemed an unfair trade practice as defined by the Connecticut Unfair Trade Practices Act (CUTPA), and this bill increases the penalties for those who would continue to abuse the practice.”

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O’Neill noted that unwanted text messages and cellular phone calls can not only be a nuisance, but they can cost money to the recipient depending on the data and usage plan they have in place.  “It’s bad enough when you are annoyed by an unwanted intrusion and worse still when you are compelled to pay for it,” he said.

The bill raises fines for violating the “Do Not Call” registry requirements from a maximum of $11,000 to $20,000. Additionally, it requires all companies that issue account statements for cellular phones, telephones and mobile devices to print a conspicuous notice twice per year which informs consumers of prohibited actions by solicitors, how to place your number on the “Do Not Call’ registry, and how to file a complaint with the Department of Consumer Protection for any violations you experience.

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The bill, SB 209, previously passed the State Senate on April 22nd, and heads to the governor for his signature.  This session of the Connecticut General Assembly adjourns at midnight, May 7th, 2014.

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