HB 93-DO NOT CALL REGISTRY--MOBILE/CELL PHONES   3:20:23 PM CHAIR OLSON announced that the first order of business would be HOUSE BILL NO. 93, "An Act relating to unwanted telephone solicitations on a cellular or mobile telephone and making those calls to cellular or mobile telephones registered with the national do not call registry violations of the Alaska Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Act." 3:20:24 PM REPRESENTATIVE MIKE CHENAULT, Alaska State Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, read his sponsor statement on HB 93, as follows[original punctuation provided]: House Bill 93 adds a cellular or mobile telephone to the definition of the telephone solicitation as defined under AS 45.50.475(g). In essence, this bill adds to state statute, cell or mobile phones to the unlawful, unwanted telephone advertisements and solicitations section. The Federal Trade Commission, which has oversight over the Do Not Call Registry, opened this service in June 2003. The service allows a consumer to register their telephone or cellular or mobile phones should that consumer wish to limit telemarketing calls. The state statute does not recognize cell or mobile phones under the definition of prohibited activities as it relates to telephone solicitation. House Bill 93 revises the definition to put our statutes more in line with federal guidelines and makes it clear that Alaskan consumers have protection from unwanted telemarketing calls. 3:22:01 PM REPRESENTATIVE LYNN asked whether the bill covers satellite phones. REPRESENTATIVE CHENAULT answered that it is his intention that HB 93 would cover all telephones. REPRESENTATIVE CHENAULT, in response to Representative Lynn, offered his belief that HB 93 as written covers all phones. He related that "cellular" refers to cellular phones, and that satellite phones will be covered under mobile phones. REPRESENTATIVE NEUMAN reiterated for the record that satellite phones will be covered under the bill. REPRESENTATIVE BUCH offered his appreciation the sponsor brought this matter forward and that the sponsor has worked with the authorities. He remarked that some people have been taken advantage of by telephone solicitations. Thus, he is thankful the issue will be addressed under the bill. 3:23:41 PM MARIE DARLIN, Coordinator, AARP Capital City Task Force, stated that she has submitted a letter of support for HB 93. She stated that the AARP Capital City Task Force worked hard on the original "do not call" legislation that passed the legislature some time ago. She opined that including cell phones and mobile phones is an important step forward. She urged members to pass HB 93. 3:24:38 PM CHAIR OLSON, after first determining no one wished to testify, closed public testimony on HB 93. 3:24:48 PM REPRESENTATIVE LYNN related that a "no call list" has been developed for regular telephone directories and inquired as to whether a directory has been developed for cellular phones. CHAIR OLSON answered that the listings are available on a compact disc (CD) or digitally by direct marketing. In further response to Representative Lynn, Chair Olson said he did not know. He surmised that the federal government probably would supply the information at no cost. 3:25:37 PM TOM WRIGHT, Staff, Representative Mike Chenault, Alaska State Legislature, explained on behalf of the prime sponsor, Representative Mike Chenault, that he has been in contact with Alaska Communications System (ACS) and AT&T Alascom to discuss the issue. He explained that carriers such as Verizon Communications are currently compiling directories together, but restricted to 411 services. He related that HB 93 is proactive so that in the event directories are ever published for cellular phones, they will be covered under the national "Do Not Call Registry" under the federal statute if the directories become public. 3:26:18 PM REPRESENTATIVE NEUMAN moved to report HB 93, Version 26-LS0413\A out of committee with individual recommendations and the accompanying fiscal notes. There being no objection, HB 93 was reported from the House Labor and Commerce Standing Committee. 3:27:04 PM The committee took an at-ease from 3:27 p.m. to 3:29 p.m.