Commercial robo calls to be banned
New legislation passing throught the New York State legislature would ban the use of computers to make pre-recorded phone calls for the purpose of advertising. Democrats in the Assembly have joined with Republicans in the Senate to bring the legislation forward. The bill, which was originally proposed by Governor Andrew Cuomo’s office, would allow for a special license for telemarketers. Robo calling of anyone who had not explicitly granted permission for such calling would result in revocation of the license. In certain cases, vilations could even result in fines and misdemeanor charges against perpetrators.
Still unknown is the fate of political automated phone calls. These calls have been a mainstay of New York politics for years and figure in the campaigns of many of the sitting legislators. Some news sources are reporting that political campaign calls would be exempt from the law, however, there has not been a definitive statement from Albany.
Schumer concerned regarding grill brushes
Senator Chuck Schumer came from the Memorial Day festivities with a message regarding the dangers of metal barbecue grill brushes. Schumer pointed out a magazine article in the Consumer Reports magazine which detailed the dangerous conditions that can exist when people accidentally eat the metal bristles left in the grill.
The Senator has called upon federal agents to investigate.
