Digital Billboards on State Highways (25. January 2012, 10:53 by Exit133) ~ I can see clearly (for) now...
A piece of State-level legislation was introduced last week that didn’t show up on the City’s 2012 State Legislative Agenda Priorities, but we’re wondering if maybe it should get some attention. Apparently Clear Channel hasn’t given up.
The new House bill seems to be an attempt at a bit of an end-run around rules like Tacoma’s recently passed ban on digital signage. HB 2636 would allow the controversial billboards on the state highway system, within incorporated cities and towns. The bill would not change regulations on interstates or residential roads. The bill’s supporters are promoting it as a way for the state to expand its emergency and missing persons messaging capabilities (think Amber alerts, disaster warnings, etc). It would allow “static digital outdoor advertising signs,” but not signs with flashing or distracting lighting (is there any other kind when you’re allowing signage up to 672 two square feet with a maximum height of 25 feet and maximum length of 50 feet?).
A couple of state highways pass through Tacoma, but the passage of the digital billboard ban last year may trump this new bill. Or maybe not. We’ve asked a few of our elected officials and none have had an answer yet. The bill appears to include one saving grace for Tacoma, which put its ban on the books in 2011.
Sec. 5. Nothing in this act shall be construed to preempt any local ordinances or restrictions relating to type 4 and 5 outdoor advertising signs.
From the sound of that, Tacoma might not be forced to allow the signs within City limits, but it would be nice to get some confirmation on the point. Should opposing this change be on the City’s state legislative agenda priorities? Even if we are safe, would you still want the City to come down against digital billboards?
Read more at The News Tribune
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from my facebook land!
“Jeannie Darneille ยท State Legislator, 27th Legislative District at Washington State House of Representatives
Me, too! BTW, RR, the sponsor of the ClearChannel digital billboards bill said he’d sign on, then the lobbyist didn’t get other signers, so he ended up being the “prime sponsor”. He is not requesting a hearing for the bill, so it will die a quiet little death in the House. Unsure if there is a Senate bill being considered.”
1 | Posted by RR Anderson | Jan 25, 12:39 PM
Makes one wonder how much clear channel has donated to the bill sponsors campaign.
2 | Posted by tacoma1 | Jan 25, 12:51 PM
I ran the contribution report from the PDC and sent it to Exit133. It contains all things Clear Channel from Clear Channel Outdoor to Clear Channel Radio.
Can you post it here?
DOWNLOAD CLEAR CHANNEL REPORT(.xls)
Posted - Exit133
3 | Posted by Peter Peter | Jan 25, 02:46 PM
There was a contribution by clear channel to the bill sponsor: Upthegrove. Only $200 so that in itself isn’t particularly damning, but it could have been enough to let the lobbyist get both feet in the door.
4 | Posted by tacoma1 | Jan 25, 06:49 PM
ATTENTION LOCAL BUSINESSES: when you spend money on a clear channel billboard, they spend that money back into the economy buying local politicians.
investing in our future! our horrible horrible future!
5 | Posted by RR Anderson | Jan 26, 12:02 PM
I am agree wih anderson.Stop spend money on billboard and invest in furture for good economy
6 | Posted by stevehawk85 | Feb 8, 04:57 AM
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