WASHINGTON-As the Federal Trade Commission struggles to establish a do-not-call list and the Federal Communications Commission decides whether it needs a separate one or to collaborate with the FTC, the state of New Jersey enacted a bill to create a do-not-call list. But state officials worry it could take at least a year to design regulations to implement it, which will restrict telemarketing calls to mobile phones.
The New Jersey bill also restricts when telemarketing calls can be made. Calls are not allowed after 9 p.m. or before 8 a.m.
Telemarketers cannot block their telephone number from Caller I.D. under the New Jersey bill.
On the federal side, the FTC is gearing up to begin signing up people on its federal do-not-call list in July. The list will be available for purchase by area code in September and enforcement-an $11,000 fine per violation-will begin in October.
Currently the FTC’s do-not-call list is limited to interstate calls but with a majority of states with state do-not-call lists, the penalties could be substantial.
The FTC will allow telemarketing calls to established customers-someone who has bought something within the last 18 months or inquired about something within the last three months.
