Manley Introduces Legislation Protecting Seniors from Telemarketing

ROMEOVILLE, Ill. – As part of her continued efforts to advocate for and protect seniors, state Rep. Natalie Manley, D-Joliet, introduced legislation prohibiting telemarketers from soliciting individuals over the age of 65.

“With the many unique issues that our senior population faces, it is unacceptable to allow aggressive solicitations to be targeted at a group with many individuals that may be vulnerable to financial exploitation,” said Manley. “This legislation will ensure that seniors and their families will not have to worry about potentially making accidental transactions, disclosing information to telemarketers or being pressured into making a financial purchase.”

Manley introduced House Bill 3271, which would prohibit telephonic solicitation of a person over 65 years old. Telephonic solicitation includes encouraging the sale, rental, or extension of credit for property, consumer goods, or services, obtaining information that can be used for the solicitation of a sale or rental, and soliciting financial contributions.

Since entering the General Assembly, Manley has been a strong advocate for seniors. In the past, she joined a bipartisan effort to discourage attempts to allow Illinois to tax retirement income. She was also named the Illinois Alzheimer’s Association’s 2014 Legislator of the Year. Once in-person gathering restrictions are lifted by the Illinois Department of Public Health, Manley will be resuming her monthly retiree legislative advisory committee meetings in order to hear directly from seniors about the issues that matter to them most.

“With all that they have given to us, it is important that we support our seniors and give them the help and protections that they deserve,” said Manley. “I will continue to work with local seniors to address the issues that are important to them.”