Connecticut House Bill HB06404

Connecticut 2017 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/23/17
• Refer: 1/23/17

Caption

An Act Requiring Telephone Books To Be Hand Delivered Or Mailed To Recipients.

Impact

The proposed changes could significantly impact state laws governing consumer access to information. By mandating the hand delivery or mailing of telephone books, HB 6404 seeks to reinforce the traditional distribution methods, which could benefit communities that rely on these resources for local business listings and emergency contacts. However, the implications on costs and logistics for publishers and local governments may raise questions about the feasibility of this requirement. It reflects a commitment to ensuring that information reaches all demographics, including those who may be less comfortable with digital alternatives.

Summary

House Bill 6404 proposes a change to the current regulations regarding the distribution of telephone books in the state. It suggests that telephone books must either be hand delivered or mailed to every recipient, ensuring that all residents receive these communication tools in a manner that guarantees their availability and accessibility. This initiative is aimed at addressing concerns about the declining distribution of telephone books due to increasing digitalization and a preference for online resources.

Contention

Despite its good intentions, HB 6404 is not without controversy. Critics may argue that the bill fails to consider the environmental implications of increased paper usage and distribution costs. There is also a concern that enforcing such a mandate could result in unnecessary burdens on publishers and local municipalities, especially as usage of telephone books has declined over the years. Additionally, opponents might highlight that many consumers prefer to access information digitally, thus challenging the necessity of such a law in contemporary society.