Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr., chairman of the Senate Consumer Protection Committee, announced that the legislation he sponsored which increases the fine for violating the provisions of New York State's "Do Not Call" Registry to the same level as the fine for a violation of the National "Do Not Call" Registry has passed the Senate.

"Since its inception, the 'Do Not Call" Registry has been a tremendous success in affording consumers both privacy in their homes and protection from potential telemarketing scams," stated Fuschillo. "By increasing the fines levied to telemarketing companies who violate the law, New York State will be able to impose greater financial penalties and increase protection to the more than two million New Yorkers who have joined the registry."

The bill (S.6041) increases the fine for each violation of New York State's "Do Not Call" Statewide Registry from $5,000 to $11,000, bringing the amount in line with the fine imposed for violating the National "Do Not Call" Registry.

Teresa A. Santiago, chairperson and executive director of the Consumer Protection Board, said, "Thanks to the leadership of Governor George E. Pataki and Senator Charles Fuschillo, millions of New Yorkers are now enjoying more peace and quiet in their homes because they are no longer being interrupted by sales calls from telemarketers. Senator Fuschillo's legislation will further bolster the Consumer Protection Board's ability to enforce the New York State "Do Not Call" law. Strong enforcement has been a big reason why this law has worked so well and led to the establishment of a National "Do Not Call" program. People across the country can now thank Senator Fuschillo and Governor Pataki for their advocacy on behalf of consumers."

The New York State "Do Not Call" Registry, which began in 2000 and was authored by Senator Fuschillo, was recently incorporated into the National "Do Not Call" program and has collected approximately $1 million from companies that have violated the law.

The bill was sent to the Assembly.

Senator Fuschillo announced that his legislation imposing stricter requirements on the hiring of security guards was passed by the New York State Senate. The legislation (S.5088) will close loopholes in the Security Guard Act of 1992. It will require all security guards to be fingerprinted, register with the Department of State, and pass a federal background check prior to beginning employment.

Current law requires a background check for criminal history within New York State, but not in other jurisdictions. Present law also allows security guards to be employed prior to a background check, as long as the guard has filed an application for registration. These two loopholes potentially allow criminals to hide their past and gain employment as a security guard.

This legislation will permit New York State to obtain a national criminal history record check from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, allowing for a more thorough investigation. The legislation also prohibits employment until a background check is completed. Both these provisions will greatly enhance the security and safety of all New Yorkers.

In addition, the legislation would allow the New York Department of State to fine companies that use unregistered guards three times the amount of the guard's salary, not to exceed $10,000. Currently, the maximum fine for violating the law is $1,000.

"In the wake of 9/11, we must remain vigilant in keeping our security standards at the highest level," said Fuschillo. "My legislation will help New York State ensure that the people who are entrusted to protect us do not pose a threat themselves."

The legislation was sent to the Assembly.

Senator Fuschillo, recently announced the passage of legislation that would permit individuals to voluntarily contribute to the New York State Prostate Cancer Research. Detection and Education Fund through the creation of a new check-off box on state income tax forms.

"One out of every six American men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer at some point in their lives," said Fuschillo. "This new initiative is a landmark victory in the fight against prostate cancer, and will enable us to continue our advances in its prevention and treatment."

Ralph Alterowitz, president of the Education Center for Prostate Cancer Patients, praised the measure. "Every man in New York State should cheer the state's pioneering approach, benefiting up to 1.6 million men living in New York State, in attaching this disease. This bill will heighten prostate cancer awareness so that men are more likely to be diagnosed in the early stages of the disease when it is more easily treatable, thus permitting men to live longer with a higher quality of life. Senator Fuschillo's vision, initiative, and health care concerns will improve the health and well-being of millions of men and their families."

All funds raised will help finance cancer research, detection, and education efforts throughout New York State. Additionally, every dollar donated to the fund will be matched by the Prostate Cancer Foundation, which is the world's largest philanthropic source of support for prostate cancer research. This is the first time that matching private funds will be used to finance this type of effort.

The legislation has been delivered to the Assembly.