Improved Fax Legislation Passes House

Improved Fax Legislation Passes House

Last year the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) issued an unworkable rule that would require businesses and trade associations to obtain written consent prior to sending commercial faxes, even to their own customers or association members. Because of the tremendous burden this rule would place on dealers and dealer associations, NADA has been a leader in advocating legislation to restore the established business relationship exemption, which will permit businesses and associations to send commercial faxes to existing customers and members without prior consent.

Following testimony from NADA president Phil Brady, improved legislation, H.R. 4600, has passed the House. The Senate bill, S. 2603, has passed the Senate Commerce Committee and is on a fast track in the Senate. NADA has emphasized to Congress that because the rule is scheduled to take effect January 1, there is an urgent need to pass this legislation quickly. Otherwise, dealers will soon need to begin collecting prior written consent from customers, including the recipient’s signature and the specific fax number to which material may be sent. NADA will keep members informed of the bill’s progress.