On Tuesday (June 26), the California Senate Committee on Transportation and Housing is scheduled to consider a proposal to authorize a pilot project to allow digital billboards with advertising on California highways.
The proposal (AB-1405) calls for 25 digital billboards on highway right of way. If approved by the California Legislature and signed by the governor, the proposal also would require federal approval.
California’s Legislature provides online information about pending bills, including lists of supporters and opponents. Local governments have opposed AB-1405.
The official bill analysis says the sponsor will accept amendments “to prohibit any new billboards from being installed (on highway right of way) where a local jurisdiction has an existing billboard prohibition.”
Here is the posted list of supporters and opponents:
SUPPORT:
Associated General Contractors
Building and Construction Trades Council of Alameda County
California Nevada Cement Association
Crime Survivors Resource Center
Greater Los Angeles African American Chamber of Commerce
Intelligent Sign Network
National Center for Victims of Crime
OUTFRONT Media
Ron Goldman Foundation for Justice
San Francisco Fire Fighters Local 798
State Building and Construction Trades Council
Board of Equalization Member George Runner
OPPOSITION:
Bulletin Displays, LLC
California State Association of Counties
City of Baldwin Park
City of Bellflower
City of Buena Park
City of Carson
City of Compton
City of Dixon
City of Eastvale
City of Lynwood
City of Rohnert Park
City of Santa Fe Springs
City of South Gate
City of Thousand Oaks
Coalition to Ban Billboard Blight
General Outdoor Advertising
Lamar Advertising
League of California Cities
Mayors’ and Councilmembers Association of Sonoma County
Meadow Outdoor Advertising
Scenic San Diego
Sonoma County Board of Supervisors
Stott Outdoor Advertising
Town of Los Gatos
Veale Outdoor Advertising
51 individuals
Insider’s take: The bill’s proponents are trying to reduce buy off opposition from local governments by allowing local governments a veto on right of way billboards in their jurisdictions. Insider notes that the out of home industry is largely against the bill. The exception is Outfront Media. I wonder who wants to sell the advertising on the California right of way signs?
Paid Advertising
