Establishes registry in New York city for residents who do not want circulars or other printed material or samples of a commercial nature left at residence

BILL NUMBER:S2183

Title of bill

An act to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to the regulation of unsolicited circulars

Summary of provisions

This bill adds a new section 10-121.2 to the administrative code of the city of New York, "Regulation of Unsolicited Circulars." The bill requires:

a. anyone wishing not to receive a handbill, circular or other printed material must register with the commissioner of sanitation;

b. anyone wishing to distribute a handbill, circular or other printed material must provide their name, address, and other information to the commissioner of sanitation;

c. the commissioner provides lists of people who do not wish to receive a handbill, circular or other printed material to the distributors, who have up to six weeks to update their lists;

d. there is a fine of $100-$250 for the first violation, and $250-$500 for the second and each violation thereafter.

Justification

Circulars are helpful to some, but a menace and unsightly to others, creating inconvenience and work in having to clean up afterwards. Irrespective of how circulars are viewed by individuals, all circulars have one thing in common: they are provided without the consent of the people receiving them. The purpose of this bill is to create a system that allows individuals to refuse to receive the circulars; in this sense, the new system is similar to the current system that allows individuals to refuse to receive marketing calls.

Prior legislative history

2007-2008: S.5782 - Referred to Cities 2009-2010: S.2115 - Referred to Cities

Fiscal implications

None.

Effective date

Immediately.