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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Ted Harhai |
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Harhai supports effort to stop political robo-calls
HARRISBURG, Jan. 28 – State Rep. Ted Harhai, D-Westmoreland/Fayette, today voiced his support for legislation to end unwanted automated phone calls from political candidates.
Harhai participated in a Capitol news conference that outlined legislation to expand the state’s “Do Not Call” law to include automated political messages. Lawmakers also unveiled the "Pennsylvania Pledge," which asks candidates running for a variety of offices to promise not to use robo-calls in their campaigns. Harhai signed the pledge.
"Robo-calls are usually unmerited and their content can be malicious and deceptive," Harhai said. "The state's Do Not Call list is a safe haven for people looking to block unsolicited phone calls. I see no reason why we shouldn't add to the list the individuals and groups behind what are basically political advertisements."
Harhai added he is a member of the House Consumer Affairs Committee and applauds the state's Do Not Call registry and any other clearinghouse aimed at protecting the rights and interests of consumers.
"I would also like to hold people responsible when they disseminate incorrect information over the phone, as is often the case in robo-calls," he said. "One of the bills I support would require that the people making the calls identify themselves before going into their message."
Harhai is backing legislation introduced by Reps. Euguene DePasquale, D-York, and Mike McGeehan, D-Phila, and Sen. Michael O'Pake, D-Berks.
The requirements of DePasquale’s bill (H.B. 293) would elevate robo-calls to the same level of identification already required by paid television and radio commercials.
Legislation introduced by O’Pake (S.B. 70) and McGeehan (H.B. 295) would place political robo-calls under the state’s Do Not Call law. Under Do Not Call, people can add their telephone numbers to a list that commercial telemarketers are prohibited from calling.
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