Sign‑walking bill lets businesses strut their ads
Associated Press

PHOENIX – A measure working its way through the Legislature would force cities to allow people to hold signs on the street, hawking various products to motorists.

House Bill 2369, which passed the House last week and now heads to the Senate for consideration, would force cities to set up a permit system for sign‑walkers.

The cities could charge fees up to $25, but none would be permitted to ban sign‑walking within its city limit.

The bill would especially affect cities like Scottsdale that currently prohibit sign‑walkers.

Scottsdale has opposed sign‑walkers since 1972. City officials argue that allowing people to peddle products and services from the sidewalk poses unnecessary safety risks.         

The Town of Carefree has no such ordinance, nor does the Town of Cave Creek, according to respective town officials.

Sign regulations are “what mayors and city councils are elected to do,” said Dale Wiebusch of the League of Cities. “If (legislators) want to regulate this, they should run for city council.”

Legislative opponents of the bill agreed, and Rep. Steve Farley, a Tucson Democrat, warned during the House debate that “we should not be taking over the role of a local sign commission.”

Jim Torgeson, whose company, Jet Media Promotions, employs about 150 sign‑walkers, said those opposed to the bill “have no respect for the First Amendment.”

Bill sponsor Rep. Bob Robson agreed. He said the issue is about protecting freedom of speech– even speech that some cities consider an eyesore.

One of Torgeson’s employees, Crystal Montgomery, 49, said she’d love it if the Legislature passes the bill. Montgomery said sign‑walking helped get her out of a homeless shelter and turn her life around.

“It’s keeping me off the streets, you know?” Montgomery said. “It’s keeping a roof over my head. By God, I’ve come a long way.”