(Juneau) - The revised version of House Bill 15, sponsored by Representative Hugh Fate (R-Fairbanks), is now headed for final action in the Alaska House of Representatives. Today, the House Finance Committee heard the new bill and addressed some minor amendments that corrected technical errors and defined groups that will be exempt from registering, but not from other requirements of the statute.

The bill that originally set up an in-state do not call list, was changed because Congress approved the Federal do-not call list, and the regulations were promulgated. The timing of the state version also coincided with a court decision by the 10th Circuit that determined the federal rules do not violate the Constitution.

Committee Substitute for House Bill 15 Finance, gives the Department of Law authority to require telemarketers to register, pay fees and face penalties for non-compliance. The do-not call list is now based on the federal list created by H.R. 395. Alaskans who do not wish to be called should sign up for the national list.

Support for House Bill 15 has been strong in the House, with passage expected sometime next week. From there the bill moves to the Senate for further consideration.

# # #