TRENTON – Senator Loretta Weinberg has introduced legislation which would fine campaign groups who choose to post signs on public property.
“The proliferation of campaign signs on public property is not only an eyesore, but it pollutes the environment because some groups do not go back and remove the signs once elections are over,” said Senator Weinberg, D-Bergen. “More importantly though, this is an issue of safety. Many of the campaign signs are put up at dangerous intersections. In my District, Route 4 doesn’t have a median, but I always see campaign signs up and down the road. I would hate for someone to get hit trying to put up a campaign sign on the highway.”
Under Senator Weinberg’s bill, S-845, any group who posts a political sign on public property would be fined $25 per sign, plus an additional $25 per sign for each day the sign remains on the property.
Town and county governments would be responsible for enforcing the bill’s provisions. The proceeds collected from fines would be used for local improvement projects.
“Legislation like this is long overdue. This bill is about being proactive, and helping to make sure that campaigners are kept safe, while also working to protect the environment,” Senator Weinberg said.”
This measure now awaits a vote by the Senate State Government Committee.
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