Cuomo Signs Telemarketing Relief Law

Tired of telemarketers interrupting your dinner? The governor wants to help.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed legislation Tuesday that seeks to reduce telemarketing by prohibiting calls without consent. The law also requires telemarketers to provide call receipts.

The new legislation would also give authority to the Department of State to ban companies that violate New York’s telemarketing laws from doing business in New York State.

"Unwanted telemarketing calls are intrusive and irritating," Cuomo said in a statement. "This legislation is designed to ensure that New Yorkers who choose not to receive these promotional messages are not forced to deal with these harassing phone calls."

Telemarketers licensed out of state were previously able to call New York consumers and when they were caught, only pay a very small fine. The new law requires all telemarketers doing business in New York to register with the Department of State, which can hit them with bigger fines, as well as misdemeanor charges.

Assemblywoman Didi Barrett, the bill’s Assembly sponsor, said, “On behalf of harassed customers statewide, I applaud the Governor for signing this bill into law and helping stem the tide of unwelcome telemarketing calls in New York.”

We'd love to hear from our readers. Do you feel plagued by telemarketers? Do you believe the new legislation signed by Cuomo will provide some relief? Post your comment in the section provided below.