House Republican Press Release

February 13, 2007

Press Office: 860-240-8700

COMMITTEE HEARS TESTIMONY ON CHAPIN LEGISLATION TO BAN ‘ROBO-CALLS’

Bill Would Limit Automated Message Phone Calls From Political Campaigns

The Legislature’s General Law Committee today heard testimony on proposed legislation introduced by State Representative Clark Chapin, R-New Milford, that would prohibit political campaigns from calling residents with unsolicited automated phone messages, commonly known as ‘robo-calls.’ Among those testifying in favor of the concept of limiting these calls was state Attorney General Richard Blumenthal.

In recent years, hotly contested political races have employed the automated calls and the number of calls from competing candidates and supporters appears to escalate with each political cycle. Residents’ disgust with the calls is also increasing, said Rep. Chapin.

"I'm in complete agreement with those people who have contacted me on this issue - these calls are annoying and intrusive,” said Rep. Chapin. “The do-not-call list is a proven mechanism already in place to cut-down significantly on unwanted phone calls and residents should have the option of prohibiting these types of calls as well."

The legislation (House Bill 5500), was co-introduced with State Sen. Andrew Roraback, R-Goshen. It would ban telephone solicitors from using automated messages calls unless the consumer gives permission to receive such a message.