Senate approves No-Call List for cell phones

Senate Bill 49, which would also protect those on the No-Call List from automated political calls, already has received first-round approval from the Missouri Senate, according to a news release from Engler’s office.

Engler said the bill covers phone calls and text messages to cell phones used for personal purposes, a well as residential faxes. The goal, he added, is to end unsolicited advertising that can end up costing recipients money.

“On cell phones, you have to pay if you receive a call, and on faxes, you have to pay for paper, ink and other costs of receiving a fax,” Engler said in the Feb. 21 release. “Missourians should no longer have to foot the cost for these unsolicited ads.”

The measure would prohibit automated political phone calls to anyone registered on the No-Call List. For Missourians who are not on the list, the bill would require such “robo-calls” to include a “paid for by” statement as part of the call.

“Too many people are bothered by these calls, and there needs to be an option to opt out from getting them,” Engler said. “Plus, Missourians have a right to know who is paying for these calls because it’s not always clear.”

Senate President Pro Tem Michael R. Gibbons, R-Kirkwood, cosponsored the bill. He said more than 600 consumers complained about automated political calls leading up to the November 2006 election.

The bill must receive a second round of Senate approval before heading to the House of Representatives.[[In-content Ad]]