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Assembly Passes Mazzeo, Burzichelli Bill to Increase Business Participation in State Sign Service Programs

(TRENTON) – Legislation sponsored by Assembly Democrats Vincent Mazzeo and John Burzichelli to remove certain out-of-date requirements for participation in state sign programs was approved by the full Assembly on Monday, 72-0.

The bill (A-3669) prohibits eligibility for sign service programs from being conditioned on whether a facility has a public telephone or free drinking water available. This would apply to the sign programs implemented by the Department of Transportation, New Jersey Turnpike Authority, and South Jersey Transportation Authority.

“This legislation cuts red tape for businesses and brings our sign programs into the 21st century,” said Mazzeo (D-Atlantic). “With this bill, we help all businesses, especially those making new investments in our region. Growing industries like craft breweries and distilleries here in Atlantic County and statewide will now be able to take part in the state’s service programs and promote their business. It’s a win-win for consumers and local business.”

“These conditions in place are outdated and do not apply in the age of the internet and the cell phone,” said Burzichelli (D-Cumberland, Gloucester, Salem). “Removing this language opens the sign service program to more businesses and gives them the opportunity for exposure along New Jersey’s roadways.”

As used in this bill, “specific service sign program” means a program that provides for the installation and maintenance of signs along freeways, interstate highways, or toll roads in this state that identify and provide directional information to motorists for gas, food, lodging, camping, and attraction facilities, including, but not limited to, a tourist-oriented directional sign program, a specific service logo sign program, or a highway sponsorship sign program.

The bill was released by the Assembly Consumer Affairs Committee on Thursday, December 4.