Sen. Becky Massey has delayed for two weeks her bill that many believe would allow for electronic billboards across the state while overriding local sign ordinances. We wrote about the bill yesterday here and here.
SB 1760 was deferred in the Senate state and local government committee until March 8, 2022. It had been set for a committee vote on Feb. 22.
HB 1651, the companion bill, is scheduled for a floor vote today (2/24).
A House member from Knoxville told Nick Della Volpe he had been misled by an industry representative. That’s hard to understand since the bill’s caption reads:
Municipal Government – As introduced, requires municipalities to allow current structural and illumination technologies to be used when outdoor advertising devices are constructed or expanded.
It’s tough to cover Nashville from Knoxville, but we’ve got friends like Nick Della Volpe, Joyce Feld and now Sandra Korbelik who work hard to keep up with legislation of interest. Social media and the internet make it so much easier to keep informed.
Here’s a portion of a letter that Korbelik, an AICP planner, wrote to legislators (reprinted with permission):
“Please vote against HB1651. There are some regulations which really are the responsibility of local government (all local governments) and signage is one. Not only does this bill erode the ability of cities and counties to regulate the appearance of their community through zoning, it is badly written and vague. If one was to agree that the bill simply clarifies existing obscure language (which I contest strongly) it only clarifies that language in a way that benefits the billboard industry to the detriment of community and the right of people to decide for themselves. …
“Furthermore, digital/electronic billboards distract the driver (which is the point of advertising!) and increase accidents. This has been proven repeatedly through scientific research.
“Billboards and especially digital/electronic signage are an especially volatile subject which each community should be able to regulate according to the wishes of the people who live there.
“Why would you support a bill that removes the right of communities to legislate, unilaterally permits commercial electronic billboards whether they’re wanted or not, and are a demonstrated safety hazard that substantially increases traffic accidents?”
Korbelik cited several studies to support her position. And for you, gentle reader, she included email addresses for House members from Knox County:
- 13th Gloria Johnson rep.gloria.johnson@capitol.tn.gov
- 14th Jason Zachary Rep.Jason.Zachary@capitol.tn.gov
- 15th Sam McKenzie rep.sam.mckenzie@capitol.tn.gov
- 16th Michele Carringer rep.michele.carringer@capitol.tn.gov
- 17th Andrew Farmer rep.andrew.farmer@capitol.tn.gov
- 18th Eddie Mannis rep.eddie.mannis@capitol.tn.gov
- 19th Dave Wright rep.dave.wright@capitol.tn.gov
- 89th Justin Lafferty rep.justin.lafferty@capitol.tn.gov
Sandra Clark is editor/CEO of Knox TN Today.