Nixon signs bill adding cell phones to no-call list

Gov. Jay Nixon today signed into law a bill adding cell phones to the Missouri's no-call law.

The extension of the law, called for in House Bill 1549, allows Missourians to register their cell phones on the state's no-call list, which would protect numbers from unwanted calls and text messages, according to a news release.

Nixon said Missouri's no-call law has been a model for other  states during its 12-year history.

“This is largely because of aggressive enforcement during that time by the attorney general’s Office and because of the active participation of Missourians who have registered for the no-call list and who readily report violations of the law," Nixon said in the release. "Today, we reach another milestone in protecting Missouri consumers."

Nixon served as the Missouri attorney general in 2000, when the no-call law was passed. He was joined by current Attorney General Chris Koster today at senior centers in St. Louis and Kansas City to promote the new addition to the law. Koster was a proponent of the bill unanimously passed by the General Assembly.

"Wherever I go in this state, I’m asked one question more than any other, ‘When can I put my cell phone on the no-call list?’ The answer is, today," Koster said in the release. "Twelve years ago, the no-call law saved the dinner hour in this state.

"Today’s action extends that protection into a new technological era.”

Those interested in registering their phones on the no-call list can do so online or by calling (866) 289-9633. Registration of mobile numbers by July 31 will result in coverage under the law starting Oct. 1, while those who sign up after July 31 but before Nov. 1 will have their numbers added to the list starting Jan. 1, according to a separate release from Koster's office.

To date, more than 1.8 million Missouri phone lines are registered on the no-call list.