Cell phones to be protected under Do-not-call registry

A new bill passed unanimously by the Indiana General Assembly would allow cell phone users to place their phone numbers on the state’s do-not-call registry to avoid telemarketing calls. A similar registry is already in place for landline phones.

Telemarketing companies that violate the law would receive the same penalties for violating it with cell phone users as they do when they violate the law with landline users.

The bill was strongly advocated for by state Attorney General Greg Zoeller. According to Zoeller in a statement, “Because many Hoosiers now use cell phones only and do not have landlines at home, we wanted to statutorily extend the protections of the Do-Not-Call list for cell phone users so they also can be shielded from intrusive solicitors.”

The bill, HEA 1273, is currently awaiting Gov. Daniels’ signature.

— Zach Ammerman