SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6772

BYSenators Bluechel and Conner

Revising provisions for telephone solicitation.

Senate Committee on Energy & Utilities

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 25, 1990

Senate Staff:Phil Moeller (786-7445)

AS OF JANUARY 25, 1990

BACKGROUND:

In the last several years, telephone solicitation has become a commonly used technique by both for-profit and not-for-profit organizations.  In 1986, the Legislature passed legislation requiring telephone solicitors to identify themselves and provide for removing the name of the called party from any list that the solicitor was using (80.36.390 RCW).

This legislation was difficult for the Attorney General to enforce against fraudulent telemarketers.  In response, the Legislature passed legislation providing for the registration and regulation of commercial telemarketers in 1989 (19.158 RCW).  Neither the 1986 nor the 1989 legislation gave consumers the option of designating themselves before receiving a call, as not wishing to be solicited by telephone.

Some individuals contend that they would like the option of not receiving telephone solicitation.

SUMMARY:

Local exchange telephone companies are required to offer customers the option of indicating that they do not wish to receive telephone solicitation.  Local exchange companies are allowed to recover the costs of providing this service to customers.

Any company or organization making a telephone solicitation to a person who has indicated that he or she does not want to be contacted is subject to a fine of up to $1,000 for each violation.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:   none

Fiscal Note:    requested January 24, 1990