Crawford Cracks Down on Nuisance Telemarketing, Auto-Dialer Schemes with New Bill

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Mike Crawford, D-Chicago, is cracking down on unsolicited telemarketer calls that bombard people with unnecessary and often fraudulent offers by introducing tough new phone privacy legislation.

“State law is far too lax when it comes to stopping marketing schemes from pestering seniors and families with constant phone calls asking them to sign up for whatever good or service they’re selling, even after they’ve been specifically asked to be removed from their call lists,” Crawford said. “These calls are interfering with emergency calls, notifications from local governments and utilities, and from legitimate companies that constituents trust and have existing business with. I am committed to seeing this debate on the House Floor and providing real relief for families rightfully outraged at these for-profit scammers and marketers.”

Crawford’s House Bill 2435 cracks down on companies who solicit callers with goods or services unless explicit consent is given to receive automated solicitation. Current law allows registered salespersons and auto dialers to circumvent prohibitions on solicitation, even after recipients asked to be removed from their call lists. The legislation allows for those who consent to receive these calls to revoke their consent at any time and levies a $500 fine per violation of the recipient’s consent.

For more information, visit ILGA.gov.