No-Call List for Telemarketers
by Joy Edmondson

Have you ever found yourself in a maddening rush to reach a deadline for completing a transcript, only to miss your cutoff by a minute, the result of frequent interruptions of unsolicited telemarketers? Or how about enjoying some much-cherished and needed quiet time, or family dinnertime, just to have the phone bring it all to a screeching halt? Texas House Bill 472 creates a statewide no-call list for Texans who do not wish to be called by for-profit telemarketers. For the first time in this state's history, Texans will have the ability to control commercial telemarketing calls coming into their homes. Information will be available through a toll free number provided by the Public Utility Commission and mailings distributed by local telephone companies. A $3 fee allows consumers to be placed on the statewide list for three years. The list, purchased and updated quarterly by telemarketing companies, will give consumers some relief from being inundated with phone calls. The bill also gives the consumer an avenue to file complaints regarding this problem. The PUC, Attorney General, and state licensing agencies will review complaints and fine companies up to $1,000 per infraction.

In addition to the creation of the list, telemarketing companies cannot block their identity when calling a consumer. The bill also addresses unsolicited facsimile transmissions.

Consumers may register for either or both lists in 3 ways:

1. Online at http://www.texasnocall.com for instant registration. Utilize this easy, automated method to speed your registration. The site is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

2. Call toll-free 1-866-TXNOCAL(L) (1-866-896-6225) to obtain an application or to register.

3. Send a written request for an application to:
TEXAS NO CALL
P. O. Box 313
E. Walpole, MA 02032

For further information on the no-call list, consult the PUC's website at www.puc.state.tx.us.

(Back to Table of Contents)

In keeping with the requirements of the current HCRA Bylaws, please be advised that there is a revision of the Bylaws being proposed. The revised version of the Bylaws is available for your review on the HCRA website at http://www.hcrainfo.com. If you do not have access to the Internet, please call 713-623-4434 and request that they be faxed to you. These revised Bylaws will be voted on at the next regularly scheduled HCRA public meeting.

(Back to Table of Contents)

RPR Expiration Date Changes
December 11, 2001 -- NCRA's Board of Directors has changed the RPR expiration date from June 30 to September 30. This change gives members an additional three months to earn the continuing-education units required to maintain their NCRA certifications. With a fall deadline, members can take advantage of the many state and national seminars available during the summer months to catch up on any missing credits.

(Back to Table of Contents)