New Jersey lawmakers considering 'Seinfeld' telemarketing bill

ByEyewitness News WABC logo
Tuesday, January 31, 2023
Telemarketing bill in New Jersey inspired by 'Seinfeld'
A new telemarketing bill in New Jersey was inspired by the sitcom "Seinfeld."

NEW JERSEY (WABC) -- New Jersey lawmakers are considering a new bill targeting telemarketers inspired by the famous TV sitcom "Seinfeld."



The legislation would require telemarketers to identify themselves and what they are selling within the first 30 seconds of the call.



The bill's sponsor nicknamed it the "Seinfeld Bill" because of a famous scene.



"Why don't you give me your home number and I'll call you later?" Jerry Seinfeld said on the show.



"Uh, well I'm sorry, we're not allowed to do that," the telemarketer said over the phone.



"Oh, I guess you don't want people calling you at home," Seinfeld said.



"No."



"Well, now you know how I feel," Seinfeld said.



"New Jerseyans should know who they're talking to on the phone and what's being sold to them by telemarketers," said Senator Jon Bramnick (R - District 21).





Telemarketers would also be banned from making unsolicited calls between 9 p.m. and 8 a.m.



The bill has already passed the Senate Commerce Committee.



ALSO READ | Delta investigating antisemitism allegations against flight attendant on plane to NYC


Delta Airlines says they're now investigating allegations of antisemitism against one of their flight attendants. Stacey Sager has the story.


----------


* Get Eyewitness News Delivered


* More New Jersey news


* Send us a news tip


* Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts


* Follow us on YouTube


Submit a tip or story idea to Eyewitness News

Have a breaking news tip or an idea for a story we should cover? Send it to Eyewitness News using the form below. If attaching a video or photo, terms of use apply.

Copyright © 2024 WABC-TV. All Rights Reserved.