BILL NUMBER: AB 400AMENDED BILL TEXT AMENDED IN ASSEMBLY MARCH 26, 2015 INTRODUCED BY Assembly Member Alejo FEBRUARY 19, 2015 An act to add Section 101.14 to the Streets and Highways Code, relating to highway signs. LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST AB 400, as amended, Alejo. Department of Transportation: changeable message signs. Existing law provides that the Department of Transportation has full possession and control of all state highways. Existing law, the Outdoor Advertising Act, provides for the regulation by the department of advertising displays, as defined, within view of public highways. Existing law also authorizes the department to install and maintain information signs along state highways. This bill would require the department, by June 30, 2016, to update its internal policies to allow displays of safety, transportation-related, and voting-relating messages on changeable message signs, as defined. Vote: majority. Appropriation: no. Fiscal committee: yes. State-mandated local program: no. THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS: SECTION 1. Section 101.14 is added to the Streets and Highways Code, to read: 101.14. (a) Prior to June 30, 2016, the department shall update its internal policies to allow displays of the following types of messages on changeable message signs: (1) Safety messages. (2) Transportation-related messages. (3) Reminders to register to vote. (4) Reminders to vote as elections approach. (b) For purposes of this section, "changeable message sign" means any electronic sign on a roadway with a changeable message typically used to alert motorists of traffic conditions, unusual weather conditions, emergencies, or other events. (c) Nothing in this section shall be construed to alter the requirements of the Emergency Alert System or the Amber Plan under Section 8594 of the Government Code , or the Blue Alert System under Section 8594.5 of the Government Code .