A new and improved 'Do Not Call' coming soon to a dinnertime near you?

Last week, a bill that would enhance the current federal do-not-call registry passed the House of Representatives. The bill is officially titled: "The Do-Not-Call Improvement Act of 2007." The next step is passing the Senate, and this bill would be a definite improvement for consumers.

Currently, consumers register for the do-not-call list, and telemarketers are prohibited from calling their homes except under certain circumstances. After five years, phone numbers are removed from the registry unless consumers re-register.

The pending legislation would discontinue the five year expiration on the registration. Essentially, once you register, you're on the list until you tell them otherwise. Message to telemarketers: Don't ever call us again.