Intro: Candidates would have one of their campaign tools removed under a bill to block automated phone calls that has been filed in the upcoming legislative session.
Just weeks after the fall election, some Missouri legislators have filed bills to remove one of the growing devices for campaigns.
The bills would stop political campaigns from using automated phone calls to homes to pitch their campaign issues or solicit money.
The sponsor of one of the bills is southeast Missouri Republican Senator Kevin Engler. He says he's gotten a lot of complaints about the calls.
soc Intro: Several bill proposals are trying to stop unwanted automated phone calls. Fanna Haile-Selassie has more from the Capitol. One of the bills is sponsored by the Southeast Republican Senator, Kevin Engler.
His bill would fine campaign parties five-thousand dollars for each reported phone call to a home that has not agreed to automated political calls.
Engler, who tried to pass a bill last year that would extend the no-call telemarketing list to Faxes and cell phones, said he is skeptical this bill will pass.
He said he's concerned that other Senators will filibuster to stop the vote on it.
However, it will not stop actual people calling residents for votes, only automated voice machines. From the state Capitol, I'm Fanna Haile-Selassie
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Description: Engler says his constituents have complained to him about automated calls during the campaign.
Engler's bill has been been filed for the legislative session that begins the first Wednesday in January.
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Description: I think there will be some resistance, especially in the metropolitan areas. Those who don't have the money for radio or newspapers ads.
Engler said this bill is in response to complaints that he's heard of about unwanted calls during last fall's campaign.
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