Connecticut House Bill HB06079

Connecticut 2015 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/22/15
• Refer: 1/22/15

Caption

An Act Banning The Use Of Automated Telephone Solicitation Technologies And Automatic Dialing-announcing Devices By Political Campaigns.

Impact

If enacted, HB06079 would significantly affect the operations of political campaigns within the state by prohibiting a method of outreach that many campaigns rely on to connect with voters. This change would necessitate campaigns to seek alternative means of engaging with voters, possibly leading to increased expenditures on personal outreach methods such as door-to-door canvassing or grassroots mobilization efforts. The bill aims to promote a more respectful relationship between political entities and the electorate by limiting potentially unwelcome communications.

Summary

House Bill 06079 seeks to ban the use of automated telephone solicitation technologies and automatic dialing-announcing devices specifically by political campaigns. The legislation targets the growing concerns about the intrusive nature of automated calls that often inundate voters during election seasons. With the increasing prevalence of these technologies in political campaigning, lawmakers aim to mitigate the perceived annoyance and disruption caused by such calls, ensuring a more manageable communication environment for constituents.

Contention

Notable points of contention regarding HB06079 include the potential limitations it places on political expression and campaigning. Advocates of the bill argue that it protects voters from unsolicited disturbances, while opponents contend that it could suppress valid political speech and outreach. There may be concerns about the balancing act between protecting voters' privacy and ensuring that political entities have adequate means to communicate their messages effectively. Additionally, the bill raises questions about enforcement and compliance, particularly regarding existing telecommunication laws.