Possible Do Not Text Registry

People frustrated by text messaging ads might soon have an answer to their problem. Pennsylvania State Representative Seth Grove (R-Dover) introduced legislation amending the Telemarketer Registration Act to include text messages.

Rep. Grove says the idea for the amendment came from his constituents. "I had a couple senior citizens come into the office. And they started getting text messaging advertisements and they didn't have a text messaging plan so it cost them money to receive em. And then, it usually says 'reply back STOP to stop the text messaging' and to stop it it cost them even more money."

Grove says he believes that his colleagues will support the amendment, since he has not heard any negative reaction. He says that anyone already on the Do Not Call list will receive the benefits of his legislation once it passes. It was moved out of committee with a unanimous vote May 4th and is awaiting action in the full house.

The legislation would make it illegal for companies to advertise to a telephone subscriber unless the person opts-in to the texts; the company is texting about debts, contracts or payments; the company has an established relationship with the customer over 12 months; the company is a tax-exempt non-profit; and is calling on behalf of a candidate or political party.