Sheriff Andrew J. Smith

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Do-Not-Call bill becomes law

Ohio consumers will have more power to curb the number of telemarketing calls they receive under a new state law.  Following overwhelming support in the Ohio Senate and House, Governor Bob Taft signed Senate Bill 28 into law, establishing a state Do-Not-Call law to enhance the authority of Ohio's Attorney General to take action against telemarketers that violate the federal registry.

Through the federal Do-Not-Call list, Ohioans have the opportunity to join nearly 60 million Americans who have already registered online to mitigate the number of unwanted calls.

Since the opening of the national Do-Not-Call registry by the federal government, judges in Oklahoma and Colorado have issued rulings blocking the implementation of the national registry.  Despite the legal maneuvering, the federal registry remains in full effect until the courts have reached a final decision.  As Ohio's Do-Not-Call law is being implemented, Ohio regulators and the Ohio Consumers' Council will continue to monitor all legal developments to determine how federal rulings may affect Ohio law.

Consumers can register for the National Do-Not-Call Registry online at www.donotcall.gov or by phone by calling 1-888-382-1222