State Representative Spencer Black (D-Madison) introduced legislation that would essentially ban “robocalls,” in part because the automatic phone messages are used too aggressively in campaigning. John Maycroft testified on Black’s behalf at an Assembly Consumer Protection Committee hearing Wednesday.

AUDIO: John Maycroft giving Black’s testimony (MP3 :13)

But Matt Beier, General Counsel with Key Financial Services, says the bill’s language would severely hamper their efforts in debt collecting. Beier says they can double their amount of calls per day by use of automatic dialers.

AUDIO: Matt Beier (MP3 :14)

The proposal requires the calling party to reveal themselves and obtain consent from the home’s resident before playing any recorded message. Government agencies, fellow members of the same organization and parties who’ve already established a business relationship would be exempt.

Lawmakers are expected to wrap up their fall calendar today without reaching consensus on OWI reforms.

The Senate is scheduled to take up legislation today that would increase penalties for drunk drivers, but the bill differs from a version passed out of the Assembly earlier this fall. The primary obstacle right now appears to be how to pay for the reforms.

John Vose with MADD Wisconsin says the will seems to be there among lawmakers to pass a bill, but debate continues on financing the stricter penalties. Potential solutions to the funding question include raising taxes on liquor and beer, or higher fees for repeat offenders.

While it is doubtful lawmakers in both chambers will strike an agreement today, Vose says it will be disappointing if they don’t reach a deal by next spring. Especially since Governor Doyle and legislative leaders had indicated this was a key priority.

AUDIO: Andrew Beckett reports (MP3 1:09)