State Rep. Proposes 'Do Not Text List'

A state lawmaker wants Pennsylvania’s Do Not Call List to ban text messages as well as phone calls.

State Representative Seth Grove has introduced a bill that would fine telemarketers for texting advertisements to numbers on the state’s Do Not Call List.

The York County Republican says for people who don’t have text messaging plans on their cell phones, this kind of advertising has become a financial burden as well as a hassle.

Grove says it’s not hard for companies to find cell phone numbers.

“You could easily take the Do Not Call List, get a copy of it, and then send a message to all those numbers. And you’re going to find out which ones are cell phones. Currently, under Pennsylvania state law, that’s an acceptable practice.”

The bill would assess telemarketers the same penalties for texting a listed number as they would receive for calling it. That fine is $1,000 or $3,000 for people 60 or older.