Judiciary Committee Asked to Review New Law

August 28, 2009

President Elizabeth H. Mitchell Maine Senate 3 State House Station Augusta, Maine 04333

Senate President Libby Mitchell and House Speaker Hannah Pingree are asking the Legislature’s Judiciary Committee to meet and review questions that have been raised about a law that is set to take effect in September: LD 1183, “An Act to Prevent Predatory Marketing Practices against Minors Regarding Data Concerning Health Care Issues”.

LD 1183 is designed to protect the personal information of children from being collected in an illicit manner and used by companies to target advertising. The new law provides for sweeping restrictions that will prevent children from being targeted by unscrupulous marketers.

Senate President Mitchell has also submitted a bill title for the upcoming session which the Committee can use as a vehicle to make changes if necessary.

“Safeguarding the personal information of children is a laudable goal which I will continue to pursue. I thank the sponsors and the Committee for the bold steps they have taken to protect our children from predatory marketers,” said President Mitchell. “Questions have been raised about certain provisions that may conflict with the state and federal Constitutions; therefore we have asked the Judiciary Committee to review the bill to see how we can strike a balance between protecting our children and allowing access to legitimate, acceptable information.”

The date of the Judiciary Committee’s meeting has not been set.

More information about LD 1183 can be found at:

http://www.mainelegislature.org/LawMakerWeb/summary.asp?ID=280032108

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