Wis. lawmaker wants texts added to no-call list

MADISON, Wis. — A Republican lawmaker from Racine would like to see Wisconsin’s no-call law expanded to cover text messages.

State Sen. Van Wanggaard has drafted a bill that would add text messaging to the definition of solicitation for people who sign up for the no-call list.

The list allows people to remove their phone numbers from telemarketing lists. The program’s website says signing up will help reduce, but not necessarily eliminate, telemarketing calls.

Wanggaard notes that many cellular customers have to pay for incoming text messages. He says his measure would bring the law into the 21st century.

A report in the Kenosha News (http://bit.ly/oPxwIA ) says a Democratic senator from Pleasant Prairie plans to co-sponsor Wanggaard’s bill. Sen. Robert Wirch says unwanted text messages are a problem that needs to be addressed.