New Jersey introduces do-not-mail bill

New Jersey has joined the roster of states introducing a legislative proposal that would create a do-not-mail registry in the state, similar to the federal do-not-call list.

New Jersey now joins other states that have introduced do-not-mail bills including Connecticut, Hawaii, Michigan, Missouri, New York, Rhode Island, Texas, Vermont and Washington. Several other bills - in New York, Virginia, New Jersey and Washington - offer related measures, such as the creation of a no-mail registry of certain senior citizens and people with mental illness and a ban on mailing credit-card solicitations to people under 21.

The bill, A4119, was introduced by Democratic representative Linda Stender. It is similar to other state bills in that it directs the Division of Consumer Affairs to establish a "no mail" list of people in the state who do not wish to receive mailing solicitations.

It requires a list administrator to develop and continually update a list of New Jersey residents who wish to opt out of receiving unsolicited commercial mail. Financial penalties for violations would apply.

Like the bills introduced in other statehouses, charities, political organizations and companies with whom a recipient has an established business relationship would be exempt from the law.

The direct mail community is keeping a close eye on do-not-mail bills that have been introduced to state legislatures this year in hopes that passage of the bills is blocked.

The Direct Marketing Association, for example, is working with its state lobbyists and the Mail Moves America Coalition to educate consumers and states. The coalition, spearheaded by the DMA, is comprised of major mailing associations and other groups.