Sick of spam? HB165 targets e-mail peddlers

Utahns sick of spam — especially messages that include pornography and material inappropriate for children — can put their digital addresses on a virtual "do not call" list under a bill proposed last week.

HB165 creates a voluntary registry for citizens who want off mass-mailing lists used by companies to send spam, sponsor Rep. Michael Styler, R-Delta, said. Under the bill, companies would be required to electronically "wash" their mailing lists of addresses on the Child Protection Registry, which would be kept by the state Department of Commerce.

Citizens could register e-mail, instant message addresses, as well as phone and fax numbers.

Companies that fail to comply, could be charged with a class B misdemeanor on a first offense, but could ultimately face second-degree felony charges if they attempt to obtain or use information from the registry improperly.

Rep. Peggy Wallace, R-West Jordan asked if the penalties were sufficient enough to deter those that might ignore such a law.

"I think this is serious enough that we need to make sure the penalties are outrageous," said Wallace, who voted with her colleagues on the House Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Committee to unanimously pass the bill.

Utah Attorney General Mark Shurtleff said the registry would set a national standard for cutting off unwelcome communications.