LANSING – State Representative Bob Constan (D-Dearborn Heights) on Tuesday voted in support of a bill that requires the people or organizations that are behind infuriating and deceitful automated political phone calls – also known as "robocalls" – to disclose their identities.
"Robocalls are disruptive and deceitful, and they have no place in our political process," Constan said. "Increasing the transparency of our political process is the best way to protect our residents from unscrupulous special interests that spread lies and then hide behind the cloak 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 also would prohibit the calls between 9 p.m. and 9 a.m. Other forms of electronic political communication – such as e-mails – also would 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 jail 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.
"Spreading misinformation intended to influence our residents cannot be allowed in Michigan," Constan said. "Callers must be required to identify themselves to make sure that our residents get the full truth. Any communication that comes from an anonymous source simply shouldn't be trusted. Punishing people who spread lies and deceit is the right thing to do to protect our residents."