Ill. Bill Establishing No-Call Lists Exempts Insurers

A bill that unanimously passed an Illinois House panel April 16 permits establishment of “no-call” lists, but enables insurance companies to continue to use marketing strategies that best suit their needs, according to the Alliance of American Insurers.

SB 1830, known as the “Restricted Call Registry Act,” passed the Illinois House Consumer Protection Committee 13-0 and now moves to the full House, where it is expected to pass and be sent to Gov. George Ryan (R).

The bill would authorize creation of a registry, administered by the Illinois Commerce Commission, which would contain the names of Illinois citizens who don’t wish to receive telephone sales solicitations. Telemarketers wishing to do business in the state would purchase the list. The bill exempts insurers and real estate agents from the restriction.

“The legislators on the committee recognized the competitive nature of the Illinois insurance market and refused to restrict insurers’ methods of doing business,” Bill Schroeder, vice president of the Alliance’s Midwest Region. “Insurers can now use the marketing methodology that best suits their business plan.”

Schroeder commended the members of the panel for “striking the right balance between consumers right to privacy and legitimate business needs.”