State bill would alter Wisconsin No Call List

Some lawmakers are looking to overhaul the state's Do Not Call List and that would include restricting political calls.

It's a bill that has at least initially bipartisan support in the state Assembly.

When the Wisconsin No Call List was originally created there was a loophole that exempts political robocalls. State Reps Andre Jacque (R-De Pere) and Gordon Hintz (D-Oshkosh) say that doesn't make sense.

"If somebody doesn't want to be interrupted at supper time by any other kind of telemarketer, why should politicians have carved out an exemption for themselves?" asked Jacque.

It's something the lawmakers say annoys their constituents and even themselves.

"At one time I have 16 robocalls when I came home," said Hintz.

So they've co-authored a bill that would alter the No Call List to include those pre-recorded political calls.

Jacque told FOX 11 the calls are more than annoying.

"It can suppress votes and it can mislead people," Jacque explained.

The men told us there is a lot of bipartisan support for the bill, but they can see opposition to it. Similar bills have failed in the past. Hintz explained that's because robocalls are an easy tool.

"Contact people in a cost-effective way and if you want to be able to get an issue out there or contact people you can do it in relatively short order," said Hintz.

"The opposition is really from the establishment political parties, rather than individual legislators," continued Jacque.

But political consultant Mark Graul told us he could see some issues with the bill, although he does not personally use robocalls.

"I think whenever we're talking about limiting access to information in democracy, I think we have to tread very lightly," explained Graul

Minnesota and Nebraska have passed similar laws.

The authors say they hope to have their bill up for a vote in Wisconsin this spring.

"I think this is something everybody can get a win from," said Hintz.

The bill would also make the state list permanent. Currently, you need to add your number every two years. After that, you need to reregister.

The measure is still in the very early stages.

• Click here to sign up for the Wisconsin No Call List