Senator Saland's Bill Putting An End To Unwanted Faxes Signed Into Law

Senator Steve Saland (R,C Poughkeepsie), today announced that his legislation (S.8060) prohibiting the sending of unsolicited advertisements through faxes was signed into law by the Governor.

The "Do Not Call" registry has proven to be highly successful in terms of reducing the number of telemarketing calls consumers receive in the state. Unfortunately, despite the effectiveness of the "Do Not Call" registry, consumers were still receiving unsolicited faxes in their homes and at their businesses.

"Not only is it disturbing to be awakened in the middle of the night by unwanted fax solicitations, an individual should not have to pay for someone else’s advertising using their own costly printer ink and paper," said Senator Saland. This bill eliminates the loophole in the current law which allows companies to transmit advertisements overnight during the hours of 9 p.m. and 6 a.m., while still allowing for faxes if there was a previous business relationship with the person receiving them.

"The bottom line is that people should be allowed to enjoy their time at home without being interrupted or disturbed by unwanted faxes advertising everything from bargain cruises to diet supplements," said Senator Saland. "This is another common sense law that answers the concerns of the consumer." The law will take effect later this month.