Late today, pro-lifers sunk A.G. Six’s Robo-Call Privacy Act (SB 456) by a final vote of 13-27 in the Senate. The bill would have restricted the use of auto-dial calls by non-profit groups, including Kansans for Life.
This is a big win, especially since A.G. Six put out a big press push yesterday (see his website).
Kansans for Life opposed SB 456, warning that the bill exempted arbitrary entities and hampered free speech. Kansas already has a Do-Not-Call law, which applies to unwanted business calls.
Sen. Terry Bruce (R-Hutchinson) carried the opposition to SB 456, and warned that it violated Constitutionally-protected free speech with severe financial penalties.
Sen. Karin Brownlee (R-Olathe) and Sen. Dick Kelsey (R-Goddard) warned about the chilling effect the bill would have on various charities.
Before the vote, Sen. Tim Huelskamp (R-Fowler) secured an amendment to exempt political speech, which is really the target of such bills.
Senators who voted to protect free speech (more…)
