State may maintain do-not call list

ST. PAUL (AP) -- Minnesota soon may join 26 other states that maintain lists of people who don't want telemarketers to call them.

A bill passed 126-8 by the House Thursday would prohibit telemarketers from calling anyone on the "do not call" list, which people could join free of charge.

Marketers would be required to buy the lists each quarter, which would cover the costs of the state-supervised program.

"This creates an historic opportunity for us to create peace and quiet in people's homes," said Rep. Matt Entenza of St. Paul, who sponsored the bill.

The Federal Trade Commission has moved to establish such a list on a national level. An amendment to the bill made it clear that if that happens, telemarketers would only be required to buy one list, not two.

The state commissioner of commerce would be able to fine companies up to $1,000 per violation of the list.

A similar bill earlier passed the Senate. The two versions will likely be reconciled in a conference committee, then sent on to Gov. Jesse Ventura for his signature.