‘Spamming’ Legislation Clears Panel

Legislation that attempts to end unsolicited commercial electronic mail passed the Assembly Consumer Protection Committee on a 13-0 vote. AB 1629, by Assemblyman Gary Miller (R-Diamond Bar) would allow Internet service providers, the companies that sell access to the global computer network, to set policies for commercial e-mail within their systems. The bill would allow companies to sue for civil damages so-called spammers who violate the rules by deluging unsuspecting e-mail users with unwanted solicitations, or “spam.” Miller’s legislation allows ISPs such as America Online Inc. to sue for $50 per piece of junk e-mail, up to a $15,000 limit. A similar anti-spam bill by Assemblywoman Debra Bowen (D-Marina del Rey) is making its way through the Capitol. AB 1629 will be heard in the Assembly Judiciary Committee later this month.