SB328: Bill Text

LRB-3507/1

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1995 - 1996 LEGISLATURE

1995 Senate BILL 328

September 13, 1995 - Introduced by Senators Wineke, Burke, Andrea, Moen, Plewa, Buettner and Schultz, cosponsored by Representatives Powers, Musser, Hanson, F. Lasee, Ryba, Wilder, Ziegelbauer, La Fave, Schneiders, Porter, Brandemuehl, Dobyns, Duff, Freese, Goetsch, Green, Hahn, Hoven, Kreibich, Skindrud, Olsen, Ward, Ott, Seratti, Silbaugh, Albers, Kelso and Walker. Referred to Committee on Judiciary.

SB328,1,2 An Act to create 947.012 (2) (dm) of the statutes; relating to: collect telephone calls and providing a penalty.

Analysis by the Legislative Reference Bureau

Current law prohibits various types of telephone calls. Some of the calls are punishable by a fine or imprisonment or both and some are punishable by a forfeiture (civil penalty). The more serious violations, which generally involve some aspect relating to frightening or threatening a person, are punishable by a fine of not more than $1,000 or imprisonment for not more than 90 days or both. Other violations, such as repeatedly making telephone calls with the sole intent of harassing a person at the called number, are punishable by a forfeiture of not more than $1,000. This bill provides a forfeiture of not more than $1,000 for a person who makes a collect telephone call under all of the following conditions: the caller doesn't personally know anyone at the called number, doesn't have prior authorization from anyone at the called number and has no legitimate business purpose for the call.

The people of the state of Wisconsin, represented in senate and assembly, do enact as follows:

SB328, s. 1 Section 1. 947.012 (2) (dm) of the statutes is created to read:

SB328,1,5 947.012 (2) (dm) Makes a collect telephone call, whether or not conversation ensues, under all of the following circumstances:

SB328,1,7 1. The caller does not personally know any person who could reasonably be expected to be reached at the called telephone number.

SB328,2,2 2. The caller does not have prior authorization to make the call from any person who could reasonably be expected to be reached at the called telephone number.

SB328,2,3 3. The caller has no legitimate business purpose for the call.

SB328,2,4 (End)