LANSING – State Representative Joan Bauer (D-Lansing) today voted for a bill requiring that people or organizations behind infuriating and deceitful automated political phone calls – also known as "robocalls" – disclose their identities.
"The people making these calls must identify themselves," Bauer said. "I've heard from several of my constituents on this issue and they feel strongly that they deserve to know who is behind these calls. Anyone attempting to influence the political process shouldn't be able to hide behind the wall of anonymity."
The bill requires that a person or organization paying for automated political phone calls must clearly identify themselves at the beginning of the call. It would also prohibit the calls between 9 p.m. and 9 a.m.
Other forms of electronic political communication – such as e-mails – would also require a disclaimer under the bill. A person who violates the provisions of the bill would be guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days in prison and a fine of up to $500.
Robocalls are commonly used to anonymously attack political candidates and purposely mislead voters. Several states already have enacted anti-political robocall measures, including Arkansas, Indiana, Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota and Wyoming.
"The hours of 9 p.m. to 9 a.m. is when many of our residents are spending quality time with their families," Bauer said. "They don't need to be bothered by these calls. Several other states have implemented similar measures; it's time Michigan caught up."