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ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Sixth Legislature, Second Regular Session
political signs; removal; elections
Purpose
Modifies the timeframes relating to the removal or tampering of political signs during an election and applies the modified timeframes to all elections in Arizona.
Background
Within 45 days of a primary election and 15 days after a general election, it is a class 2 misdemeanor for a person to knowingly remove, alter, deface or cover any political sign or printed material of a candidate or in support of or opposition to any ballot measure, question or issue. If a candidate does not advance to the general election, the period ends 15 days after the primary election.
A city, town or county may not remove, alter, deface or cover a political sign that is lawfully placed within 71 days of a primary election and 15 days after a general election. Statute prescribes requirements relating to the lawful placement of political signs. A political sign is lawfully placed if the sign: 1) is placed in a public right-of-way that is owned or controlled by that jurisdiction; 2) supports or opposes a candidate for public office or ballot measure; 3) is not placed in a hazardous location to public safety, obstructs clear vision or interferes with the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act; 4) adheres to maximum area restrictions; and 5) contains the name and telephone number or website of the candidate or campaign committee contact person (A.R.S. § 16-1019).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation.
Provisions
1. Specifies that a person who knowingly tampers with a political sign or other political material is subject to a class 2 misdemeanor during the period 45 days before any election and 15 days after any election, rather than only before and after a primary or general election.
2. Specifies that the time period during which a city, town or county may not tamper with a lawfully placed political sign commences 45 days, rather than 71 days, before any election in Arizona, rather than only before a primary election.
4. Makes conforming changes.
5. Becomes effective on the general effective date.
Prepared by Senate Research
January 18, 2024
AN/KS/cs