Rep. Robson cites compromise on billboards

Rep. Bob Robson, R-Chandler. (Cronkite News Service Photo by Cale Ottens)

A legislator who sponsored a vetoed bill to legalize electronic billboards in Arizona says agreement has been reached on a compromise to allow the outdoor advertising.

Republican Rep. Bob Robson of Chandler says the compromise would generally allow electronic billboards only in the Phoenix area and include a statewide time limit on when they can be operated at night.

Citing astronomers’ concerns about light pollution, Gov. Jan Brewer last month vetoed Robson’s bill to legalize electronic billboards.

Robson introduced the legislation after an Arizona court ruled that the electronic billboards violate a decades-old state law on highway beautification.

Robson says wording of the compromise is now being prepared. He says efforts are under way to identify legislation that can be expanded to include the compromise.