Stadelman bill would ban 'spoof' phone calls

Illinois would prohibit “spoof” calling – a misleading tactic call scammers use to disguise their caller ID – under legislation co-sponsored by State Senator Steve Stadelman.

“People across our state are annoyed every day by scam phone calls," Stadelman  said. "If approved, this new law would give Illinoisans some level of confindence the person on the other end of the phone is who they say the are."

Senate Bill 160 bans spoof calls and would no longer allow people to use a fake caller ID. The measure would also require automated telemarketers to state the organization they represent, the purpose of the call and require them to confirm the individual on the receiving end wants to continue with the call. If the call recipient refuses the organization’s solicitation, the business must ensure they will not call the individual again and must take the steps necessary to remove the individual from their records.

Stadelman's proposal passed the Energy and Public Utilities committee Thursday and now heads to the full Senate for further consideration.

3 local products competing in 4th annual 'Sweet 16'

An astro-physics telecope, a moon habitat and a magnetic clamp -- all manufactured in Winnebago County -- are among 16 remaining contenders in the "Coolest Thing Made in Illinois" competition.

Online voting in the Sweet 16 round of the bracket-style 'Makers Madneess' faceoff organized by the Illinois Manfacturers' Association is open through 11:59 p.m. March 12. Two products made in Rockford are still in the hunt for the title: Rosenberg Moon Habitat by Ingersoll Machine Tools and Magna-Lock USA Magna-Vise by Obsidian Manufacturing Industries. The third is made in Machesney Park: Astro Physics Telescopes by Astro Physics.

This year's top 16 emerged from 250 nominations across Illinois. The impact of manufacturing in Illinois is estimated at $600 billion annually, accounting for the largest portion of the state's Gross Domestic Product. Read more about Makers Madness here.


 

In case you missed me on Facebook ...

Steve Stadelman
March 9 at 9:26 PM

Congratulations to Ida Public Library in Belvidere on its 140th anniversary celebration this snowing evening and its receipt of the Centennial Library Award from the Illinois Historical Society along with proclamations from the Belvidere Mayor and Illinois Senate. The current library opened 110 years ago. Like all Carnegie-funded libraries , an elevated and columned front entrance with globed lampposts were required as symbols of ascension and enlightenment. Library leaders are planning to apply this year to be included on the National Register of Historic Places.
 


 
Anna Pivoras
It is a beautiful place with an exceptional group of people at the helm!
 
Steve Stadelman
March 10 at 12:42 PM

UIC-Rockford pharmacy students visited by Springfield office this week to advocate for legislation.