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January 16, 2009
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Senator Pileggi Introduces Bill to Create Do-Not-Call List for Political Robo-Calls

Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi (R-9) has introduced legislation to allow Pennsylvanians to stop receiving political robo-calls.

"In the days leading up to the presidential election, some people reported receiving five or more pre-recorded robo-calls every day," Sen. Pileggi said. "People should be able to tell candidates and political organizations that they do not want to receive these calls."

Senate Bill 34 would establish a separate Do-Not-Call List for automated political calls, known as robo-calls. As with the existing list for telemarketers, the Attorney General would be responsible for maintaining the new list. The first Do-Not-Call List for political robo-calls would be required to be in use by September 15, 2009, in time for this fall's election season.

In 1996, Pennsylvania created a Do-Not-Call List for commercial telemarketers. "Millions of Pennsylvanians have signed up to be on the Do-Not-Call list for telemarketers," Sen. Pileggi said. "We need to let them do the same for political robo-calls."

Under Senate Bill 34, it would be illegal for any political candidate or organization – including so-called 527 groups – to make an automated political call to any resident who signs up to be on the list.

Offenders would be subject to penalties of up to $1,000 per violation.

Senator Pileggi introduced similar legislation last session. Senate Bill 820 was approved by the Senate 48-1, but it was not considered by the House of Representatives.

More information about state issues can be found on Sen. Pileggi's web site, www.senatorpileggi.com.