Senate panel reasserts Nevada do-call list

A Senate panel rejected a proposed statewide do-not-call list Thursday in favor of another anti-telemarketing effort freeing most Nevadans from calls -- unless they sign up to become telemarketing targets.

The Senate Commerce and Labor Committee gutted AB232, replacing it with language from Chairman Randolph Townsend's "do-call" measure. That bill already was approved by the full Senate and is pending before the Assembly.

Townsend, R-Reno, says his proactive approach would be more effective, although AB232's sponsor, Assemblyman Marcus Conklin, questioned its application.

Conklin, D-Las Vegas, defended his legislation as a better alternative, noting that dozens of other states and the federal government have approved such lists.

"It's tried and it's true and it's withstood constitutional muster," Conklin said. "We want to pass something that'll do what it's supposed to do and won't end up in court."

He said lawmakers would work through differences in an Assembly-Senate conference committee.

Townsend's SB255 and the newly amended version of Conklin's bill set up a do-call list of those who welcome marketing calls. Only those on the list could be called.

The measures include exemptions for charities and companies that have done business with the person they're calling within the past 1Y years. They exempt banks, public utilities or phone companies which are calling to end services.

Telemarketers would need to buy the lists maintained by the state.

Lawmakers pledged to pass some type of legislation to curb telemarketing.

"At the end of the day, what we want is a bill that protects consumers from unwanted calls, fraudulent trade practices and that's deliverable to our constituents," Conklin said.

People nationwide fed up with unwanted telemarketing will soon be able to sign up for a federal do-not-call list. The Federal Trade Commission Web site will accept names for the free service in July.