Communications Division
State Capitol
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73105

For Immediate Release: April 22, 2003

Audio Clip

Sen. Glenn Coffee


Governor Signs Bill Aimed at Canning Unwanted Computer Spam

State Senator Glenn Coffee has won approval from the governor on a bill aimed at unsolicited commercial E-mails, also known as “spam.” Senate Bill 660 was signed into law by Governor Brad Henry on Tuesday.

“This is really a consumer protection measure. The Internet has created a new way of staying in touch and sharing important information. Unfortunately, having your inbox filled with dozens of unwanted sales ads has turned this convenience into a headache for many users,” explained Senator Coffee, R-OKC.

SB 660 makes it illegal to put false or misleading information in the subject line or to use a third party’s Internet address or domain name without their consent for the purpose of making it look like the E-mail came from a third party. It also would require the sender to include a working return E-mail address or toll-free phone number so that individuals could request that they not receive any further spam from that company or individual.

“Another problem we’re seeing now is not just the junk E-mails for credit cards or loans, but ads containing some very explicit sexual material. Even children get these sent to them. Unfortunately, you may not realize it until after you’ve actually opened the E-mail. That’s something we’ve addressed with SB 660,” said Coffee.

The measure has a component requiring that any unsolicited E-mail containing sexually explicit material or advertising sexually explicit goods or services must include the letters “ADV-ADULT:” as the first ten characters in the subject line.

Other commercial E-mail for other unsolicited products or services would be required to use the characters “ADV:” at the beginning of the subject line.

“In addition to making these violations a misdemeanor offense, we’ve also allowed for recovery of court costs and damages for anyone injured as a result of those violations. For example, let’s say someone sends out an E-mail that makes it look as though it is from another company’s domain, and that E-mail damages that company’s reputation or results in lower profits. This law would allow them to seek damages,” explained Coffee. The damages could be as high as $25,000 per day.

The measure would exclude E-mails between individuals or between those with previous business relationships. No charges or damages could be sought against the E-mail service provider under the bill.

“Like I said, I really see this as a consumer protection bill, much like the no-call registry created under the telemarketing law we passed last year. E-mail is supposed to improve communications, not turn it into a hassle because of spam,” said Coffee.

The new law takes effect on November 1, 2003.

For more information, contact:

Senator Glenn Coffee
Assistant Republican Floor Leader
(405) 521-5636