Do you dislike telemarketing calls?

October 1, 2014

If you dislike telemarketers calling you and texting you there is a new law on the books to protect you.

There is also a new law for people who care about animals that you should be aware of.

Here is what you need to know.
Adding Commercial Text Messages to the "Do Not Call" Registry. The registry provides consumers with privacy from unwanted telemarketing calls. To register a phone number, consumers should visit www.donotcall.gov or call 1-888-382-1222.

Many of you may have started to receive these messages via texts on your phones. The new legislation will:

  • bans unsolicited commercial text messages and increases the penalty for these types of violations.
  • requires companies that issue account statements for cell phones, telephones and mobile devices to print a conspicuous notice at least twice each year that informs consumers of prohibited actions by solicitors, how to place their numbers on the "Do Not Call" registry, and how to get a complaint form from the state for any violations.

Protecting Animals: new legislation will increase standards for Connecticut retail pet shops and breeders. The law does the following:

  • increases the accountability of pet stores through increased standards and business practices.
  • prohibits pet shop licensees from purchasing dogs or cats
    from a breeder who has violated U.S. Department of Agriculture animal welfare regulations in the past two years and increases the fine for violating related requirements.
  • requires pet shops to reimburse customers for veterinarian expenses incurred to treat a dog or cat that becomes ill shortly after purchase from the shop. The reimbursement now covers the purchase price of the animal and veterinarian costs.
  • requires pet shops to post the U.S. Department of Agriculture inspection reports for breeders of any dog offered for sale.

These are just two of many laws which have taken effect this month. To see a full list please visit http://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/Content/AEArchives/ActsEffective1014.asp

If there is a state law that you have a question about, or if you have an idea on how to improve a state law, please don’t hesitate to contact me at [email protected] or call at 1-800-842f-1421.