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Senate of Pennsylvania
Session of 2019 - 2020 Regular Session

MEMORANDUM

Posted:	January 8, 2019 02:31 PM
From:	Senator Andrew E. Dinniman
To:	All Senate members
Subject:	Allowing for Robocall Opt Outs and Permanent "Do Not Call" Registration

I will soon be introducing a bill similar to Rep. Cox’ HB 105 of 2017-18 Legislative Session, amending Pennsylvania’s Telemarketer Registration Act by: Allowing consumers to permanently sign up to the "Do-Not-Call" list without requiring them to re-register every 5 years. Prohibiting telemarketing robocalls on legal holidays. Requiring telemarketers to set up procedures to allow residents to immediately opt out of calls via automated procedures at the beginning of the call. If a robocall is left on voicemail, telemarketers must provide a toll-free call-back number and way to opt out. According to YouMail, a robocall management company that tracks the volume of calls, robocalling surged 60 percent in the U.S. last year. In December 2018 alone, Pennsylvanians received an estimated 160 million robocalls – that translated to 60 calls per second and about 10 calls per person. Scams make up an estimated 40 percent of those calls and, in addition to this legislation, I plan to work with the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s office to find new and innovative ways to enforce existing legislation and lobby for stronger FCC fines and penalties for illegal robocalls and violations. The fact that consumers pay for telephone service only to have that co-opted by scammers, telemarketers, and shady sales pitches is reprehensible and I hope you will join me in sponsoring this legislation.

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