Senate passes Richardville bill to require robo-call disclosures
The Senate today passed a bill sponsored by Sen. Randy Richardville that will amend the Michigan Campaign Finance Act to require the disclosure of who paid for a robo-call and whether the call was authorized by a candidate.
"Nearly every candidate has faced angry constituents who have received multiple phone calls at all times during the day and night," said Richardville, R-Monroe. "This legislation may help reduce the amount of phone calls, but more importantly it will let Michigan residents know who is making these calls and whether candidates have approved them."
The automated telephone calls related to candidates, elections, and ballot questions were used extensively during the last election cycle. Use of robo-calls has increased because they are an inexpensive method of encouraging residents to vote for or against a candidate or issue during an election cycle.
Senate Bill 284 adds a penalty for failure to comply by making this offense a misdemeanor, applying a maximum fine of not more than $1,000 or both. It also includes a civil infraction for a fine of up to $10,000 or the amount paid for the communication, whichever is greater. Each day the violation continues is considered a separate violation.
Posted: Thursday, April 19, 2007
Print friendly version
Email this page
