Senate votes to expand state's No-Call List

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

The Missouri Senate gave final approval recently to Senate Bill 65, a measure co-sponsored by Sen. David Pearce that would allow Missourians to add their cell phone numbers to the state's No-Call List. The bill has now moved to the House for similar consideration.

In addition to allowing cell phone numbers to be added to the list, SB 65 prohibits solicitations by fax, graphic imaging or text messaging to those who have signed up for the list. Certain automated calls to people on the list are also prohibited under the legislation, and entities making such calls are not allowed to block their number from appearing on any caller ID service.

The legislation also addresses political calls by requiring that anyone making such calls to add a "paid for by" statement and register with the Missouri Ethics Commission.

"We saw an opportunity for more to be done to stop unwanted phone calls from bothering Missourians in their homes," Sen. Pearce said. "This bill takes the regulations already in place a step further and makes the No-Call List a more effective tool for protecting people's privacy." Violating the No-Call List could amount to a civil penalty of up to $5,000 per knowing violation under SB 65. Also, it provides a course of action for Missourians on the list who receive repeated automated calls. Anyone who receives more than one automated call from the same entity -- if the entity is violating the provisions of the No-Call List -- in any 12-month period, would be able to bring legal action against that entity within two years.

"This legislation empowers people by giving them more control over the types of calls they receive and it also gives them more legal options if they continue to be bothered," Sen. Pearce said. "We are sending a message that the list exists for a reason and that we take violations seriously."

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