Connecticut House Bill HB06099

Connecticut 2015 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/22/15
• Refer: 1/22/15

Caption

An Act Concerning Political Signs On State Rights-of-way.

Impact

The bill proposes a fine of one hundred fifty dollars for any willful violations of this requirement, emphasizing compliance and accountability among political committees. Additionally, the Department of Transportation is granted the authority to charge these committees for the costs incurred in removing any non-compliant signs. This measure indicates a shift towards stricter enforcement of laws governing political advertising in public spaces, with the intent to minimize the financial burden on taxpayers stemming from the removal of unauthorized signs.

Summary

House Bill 06099 aims to regulate the installation of political signs on state rights-of-way. It requires committees involved in political campaigns to obtain approval from the Department of Transportation before erecting any political sign that measures two feet by four feet or larger. This legislation seeks to address issues related to public safety that arise from improperly placed political signs, which can obstruct sight lines for drivers and pedestrians, creating potential hazards on roadways.

Contention

Notably, the proposed regulations have sparked discussions among stakeholders regarding the balance between political free speech and public safety. Critics may argue that such restrictions could hinder visibility and accessibility for political messages during elections. Conversely, supporters of the bill assert that it is a necessary step to ensure that political campaigns do not compromise the safety of the public by erecting signs in hazardous locations. Overall, this bill represents an effort to create a structured framework for political campaigning in relation to public infrastructure.