State Representative Babette Josephs is reminding all Philadelphia County residents who signed up for the statewide "Do Not Call" list in 2002 that you must re-register to continue to avoid unwanted telemarketing calls on your home or cellular phones.

Registration on the list is only valid for five years from the date you initially registered.

Residents who signed up in 2002 must re-register by Saturday, September 15.

To re-register for the list or to obtain more information, visit the Attorney General's Web site or call the toll-free hotline at 1-888-777-3406.

The state Senate adopted legislation Tuesday that the bill’s prime sponsor says will help to protect state residents from home improvement scam artists.

The measure, introduced by Sen. Robert "Tommy" Tomlinson, R-Bucks, who chairs the Senate Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Committee, would give local law enforcement officials the tools they need to crack down on disreputable contractors, said Tomlinson. It would also establish strict criminal penalties and even tougher sanctions if the victim is a senior citizen.

Those who violate the law could face a possible misdemeanor or felony conviction, and the revocation or suspension of their registration. The bill would require home improvement contractors to register with the Attorney General’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. The Bureau would also maintain a toll-free number under which consumers could check on the registration status of a contractor.

Under the measure’s provisions, any work exceeding $500 would require a home improvement contract between the contractor and the homeowner. The legislation would also create specific criteria for home improvement contracts to ensure that all parties understand the work to be completed, the time frame for completion and the total costs involved. The bill now heads to the House. For more about the bill, CLICK HERE to read a report from The Associated Press. And CLICK HERE for a press release on the bill from Tomlinson's office.