Pennsylvania residents frustrated by dinner-time interruptions from telemarketers pitching unwanted products now have the power to strike back.

Gov. Mark Schweiker signed a law April 2 that allows for the creation of a statewide "do-not-call" list barring telemarketing firms from making unsolicited phone calls to consumers.

The legislation, proposed by Attorney General Mike Fisher, lets Pennsylvanians place their names and telephone numbers on a list that prevents certain telemarketing firms from placing calls to households. Once on the list, citizens can remain there for up to five years.

Telemarketers who fail to comply with the new regulations would face stiff financial penalties.

"Pennsylvania wants to let it be known that unsolicited calls are not going to be tolerated," said Barbara Petito, Fisher's deputy press secretary.

Under the measure, telemarketers who continue to call citizens on the list would incur fines of $1,000 per violation and $3,000 each for cases involving persons over the age of 60.

Petito said the law would permit telemarketing firms to purchase the "do-not-call" list from non-profit organizations for an undetermined fee. Organizations such as the United Way are being targeted by lawmakers as options and an official decision is expected in the coming weeks, Petito said.

An announcement about how citizens can place themselves on the list will also be forthcoming, Petito said. Legislators' ideal method is to include information on individual phone bills telling consumers how to add their name to the list, she added.

Mike Cipriani, assistant director of annual giving at Lion Line, 112 S. Burrowes St., said the new strict limitations should have no bearing on his firm's operations. Lion Line contacts alumni on behalf of the Penn State seeking financial donations, he said.

"We're not worried about it," he said. "We do fundraising for the university ... and we foster a positive relationship with our callers."

Exceptions to the law would be granted to certain telemarketers, such as Lion Line, Petito said.

"Any charitable organizations, politicians and businesses that consumers have dealt with in the past would be exempt," she said.

Reaction to the law's implementation has been positive around the area.

"I think it's outstanding because we're all harassed," said State College Borough Council member and town resident Elizabeth Goreham. "The calls are a nuisance and they always come at the wrong time."

Kunal Patel (freshman-pre-medicine) lives on campus and estimates he receives 10 unsolicited calls a month from telemarketers.

"I have the exact same credit card that they're trying to sell me," he said, adding that the "hassle" of purchasing names may completely deter telemarketers.

Jackie Stewart (senior-hotel, restaurant and institutional management) said the measure was much needed.

"Everyone just hangs up on them or people pretend they're not the person they're calling for anyway."