JEFFERSON CITY — In an effort to eliminate unwanted cell phone calls, texts and other solicited electronic messages, a bill unanimously passed by the Missouri Senate was signed by the governor today (6-14) during various ceremonial bill signings throughout the state.  House Bill 1549, ushered through the upper chamber by Sen. Will Kraus, R-Lee’s Summit, garnered wide support in the Legislature and was delivered to the governor days before the last day of session in May.

The measure changes the laws regarding the state’s No-Call list to allow a Missouri citizen to have his or her cell phone number added to the list maintained by the Missouri Attorney General’s office.  Currently, there are more than 1.8 million phone lines in the Show-Me State registered on the No-Call list.

House Bill 1549 changes current state law, defining “telephone solicitation” as any voice, fax, short messaging service (SMS), or multimedia messaging service (MMS) for the purpose of encouraging the purchase or rental of, or investment in, property, goods, or services.  The bill prohibits a telemarketer from sending these communications to a telephone number on the No-Call list.

Several bills, including SB 477 and SB 606, were filed in the Missouri Senate during the 2012 legislative session that would modify the state’s do-not-call list by allowing cell phone numbers on the list and banning certain automated calls.  Provisions in these Senate measures are similar to ones found in HB 1549.

To add a residential or cell phone to the state’s No-Call list, visit www.ago.mo.gov/nocalllaw to complete the online registration, or call 866-BUZZOFF (866-289-9633).  Cell phone numbers will be added to the list when the legislation takes effect on Aug. 28.

To see a complete list of the bills delivered to the governor by the General Assembly for his approval, visit www.senate.mo.gov and click on the “Truly Agreed Bills” link under the “Legislation” tab.  To contact the Senate Newsroom, call (573) 751-3824 or email: newsroom@senate.mo.gov.