State Representative Jan Giegler, whose district includes part of northern Ridgefield, joined her House colleagues and voted to strengthen financial penalties against telephone solicitors who violate the state’s do not call registry by passing a bill that also prohibits sending any messages to mobile telephones or other electronic devices with the exception of email.
The bill, SB 209 – An Act Prohibiting Unsolicited Text Messages and Increasing Penalties for Violations of the Do Not Call Registry, passed unanimously in the House of Representatives and states solicitors are only permitted to send marketing texts or make calls if they receive prior written consent from the customer.
“By taking a strong stand and imposing stiffer financial penalties against sales groups who choose to ignore the do not call registry Connecticut is putting its residents’ privacy concerns ahead of sales interests,” Rep. Giegler said. “Holding these agencies to a higher standard will reduce unwanted intrusions into our private lives.”
The bill raises fines for violating the Do Not Call registry requirements from a maximum of $11,000 to $20,000. Additionally, it requires all companies that issue account statements for cellular phones, telephones and mobile devices to print a conspicuous notice twice per year which informs consumers of prohibited actions by solicitors, how to place your number on the Do Not Call registry, and how to file a complaint with the Department of Consumer Protection for any violations you experience.
Rep. Giegler represents the 138th district of Danbury, New Fairfield and Ridgefield in the Connecticut General Assembly