Telemarketing regulations: A solution or a violation?

• Position: On First Reading - Brief Article

Public meetings started this past summer on a proposal by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) for a national "do not call" list. It would allow consumers to call one toll-free telephone number in order to stop most out-of-state telemarketing calls. The commission also is suggesting strengthening telemarketing rules that forbid late-night calls and deceptive telephone sales pitches.

Nearly half of the states already require some form of licensing by telemarketers. Seventeen enacted additional regulations pertaining to telemarketing and consumer rights in 2001. Colorado, Louisiana, Oregon and Wyoming created or modified state do-not-call list laws.

Not all citizens are enthusiastic about these state regulations. A lawsuit was filed, but later withdrawn, by the Professional Firefighters...