STOUT SUPPORTS DO-NOT-CALL LIST FOR POLITICAL ROBO-CALLS

            HARRISBURG, April 30 – State Senator J. Barry Stout (D-Washington/Greene) today voted in favor of legislation that would allow Pennsylvanians to stop receiving political robo-calls. 

The Senate approved the measure (Senate Bill 820) by a vote of 48-1. The bill now goes to the House of Representatives for consideration.

"Robo-calls don't even give a voter the chance to ask questions and get information," Stout said.  " Nowadays families are so busy, these calls are just a waste of time." 

In 1996, Pennsylvania created a Do-Not-Call List for commercial telemarketers.   Senate Bill 820 would establish a separate Do-Not-Call List for political robo-calls.  As with the existing Do-Not Call List, the Attorney General would be responsible for maintaining the list. 

Under the bill, the Do-Not-Call List for political robo-calls would be active by October 15, 2008, in time for this fall's election. 

It would be illegal for any political candidate or organization to make an automated political call to any resident that signs up to be on the list.  Offenders would be subject to penalties of up to $1,000 per violation.

Senate Bill 820 does not ban live political calls. Candidates and political organizations will still be able to contact all voters by telephone as long as they have a real person making the call.