Hoosiers Get State Law to Help Battle Unwanted Faxes
State Rep. Mike Murphy Led Effort for New Law; Attorney General Carter Poised to Enforce
Indianapolis—Indiana Attorney General Steve Carter and State Representative Mike Murphy (R-Indianapolis) announced today that Do Not Fax legislation has become law after being unanimously passed by the General Assembly and signed by the Governor earlier this month.
"Citizens throughout the state routinely tell me that they are tired of their fax machine ink and paper being used to subsidize advertising campaigns," Attorney General Steve Carter said. "This legislation gives the state teeth to take action against violators who enter into Hoosier homes and businesses uninvited through their fax machines. Rep. Murphy is to be commended for his leadership in getting this important piece of legislation through the General Assembly."
The bill authored by State Representative Mike Murphy, would make the transmittal of unsolicited fax advertisements a deceptive consumer sale act allowing the attorney general's office to recover civil penalties of up to $1,500 per violation. Enforcement begins January 1, 2007.
"Small businesses operate on very thin margins. I am proud to play a small part in helping relieve small business of the burden and cost of junk faxes," added Representative Murphy.
Carter and Murphy announced the new law from Indianapolis-based Community Development, Inc. where President Chad Young has found unwanted faxes to be a hassle.
"The cost of unnecessary faxes to businesses can start to add up if you consider paper, ink and the time it takes for staff members to review them for content. Bringing awareness to this issue is a positive step," said Chad Young, President of Community Development Inc.
The Bill passed out of the House of Representatives and the State Senate unanimously.
House Bill 1280 was also sponsored by Rep. Eric Koch (R-Bedford), Rep. Thomas Saunders
(R-Lewisville), and Rep. Dale Grubb (D-Covington). Sen. David Ford (R-Hartford City), Sen. Tim Lanane (D-Anderson), and Sen. Brent Steele (R-Bedford) sponsored the bill in the Senate.
|
