SB 6

This bill prohibits any caller from using an automatic dialing-announcing

device to disseminate a prerecorded or synthesized voice message that has a political

purpose. The bill defines "automatic dialing-announcing device" as a device that

selects and dials telephone numbers and that, working alone or in conjunction with

other equipment, disseminates a voice message. The bill defines "caller" as any

person who uses a telephone or telephone line to contact or attempt to contact a

telephone service subscriber or any person living or residing with such a subscriber.

The prohibition applies to a voice message that has a "political purpose," which has

the same meaning as under current state campaign finance law. Under that

meaning, "political purpose" includes the purpose of influencing an election, recall,

or referendum vote. The bill applies to any interstate or intrastate voice message

that is received by a person in this state.

Under current law, the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer

Protection (DATCP) enforces certain requirements regarding telephone solicitors.

The bill requires DATCP to also investigate violations of the bill and bring

enforcement actions for violations. The bill also creates a civil forfeiture of no more

than $100 for each violation of the bill, which is the same amount as the civil

forfeiture under current law for violating the telephone solicitor requirements.