SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 6512

                    As of January 24, 1996

Title:  An act relating to commercial telephone solicitation.

Brief Description:  Providing for identification in telephone directories of persons not wishing telephone solicitation.

Sponsors:  Senators Sheldon, Fairley, Drew, Prentice, Oke, Haugen, Thibaudeau, Hargrove, Wojahn, Spanel, Bauer, McAuliffe, Winsley and Kohl.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Energy, Telecommunications & Utilities:  1/24/96.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON ENERGY, TELECOMMUNICATIONS & UTILITIES

Staff:  Phil Moeller (786-7445)

Background:  The Legislature enacted measures in 1986 and 1989 intended to regulate the practice of commercial telephone solicitation.  These statutes require most commercial telephone solicitors to register with the Department of Licensing, specify times when solicitation calls are allowed, and require that names be removed from solicitation lists if the party being called requests removal.

Laws and rules in the state of Oregon allow customers the option of having a mark placed by their name in telephone directories if they do not wish to receive commercial telephone solicitation calls.

Summary of Bill:  The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (WUTC) is directed to require telecommunications companies to provide for identification in telephone directories of persons who do not wish to receive telephone solicitations.  The WUTC is directed to adopt rules ensuring that telecommunications companies inform their residential customers of this option.

A commercial telephone solicitor is prohibited from engaging in telephone solicitation of a person who is identified in a published telephone directory as not wishing to receive telephone solicitation calls.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.