AB 1633: State highways: exit information signs.
- Session Year: 2017-2018
- House: Assembly
- Latest Version Date: 2017-07-31
Existing law requires the Department of Transportation to adopt rules and regulations that allow the placement, near exits on freeways in rural areas, of information signs identifying specific roadside businesses. Existing law generally prohibits the placement of a sign within an urban area with a population of 5,000 or more, with certain exceptions.
This bill would add to the list of specific roadside businesses eligible for an information sign under these provisions a business offering electric vehicle charging facilities.
Existing law requires the Department of Transportation to adopt rules and regulations that allow the placement, near exits on freeways in rural areas, of information signs identifying specific roadside businesses. Existing law generally prohibits the placement of a sign within an urban area with a population of 5,000 or more, with certain exceptions.
This bill would add to the list of specific roadside businesses eligible for an information sign under these provisions a business offering electric vehicle charging facilities.
Existing law requires the Department of Transportation to adopt rules and regulations that allow the placement, near exits on freeways in rural areas, of information signs identifying specific roadside businesses. Existing law generally prohibits the placement of a sign within an urban area with a population of 5,000 or more, with certain exceptions.
This bill would add to the list of specific roadside businesses eligible for an information sign under these provisions a business offering electric vehicle charging facilities.
Existing law prohibits a person from driving a motor vehicle while using a wireless telephone unless that telephone is specifically designed and configured to allow hands-free listening and talking, and is used in that manner while driving. Existing law makes a violation of this prohibition an infraction punishable by a base fine of $20 for a first offense and $50 for each subsequent offense.This bill would make a technical, nonsubstantive change to this provision.Existing law prohibits a person from driving a motor vehicle while using a wireless telephone unless that telephone is specifically designed and configured to allow hands-free listening and talking, and is used in that manner while driving. Existing law makes a violation of this prohibition an infraction punishable by a base fine of $20 for a first offense and $50 for each subsequent offense.
This bill would make a technical, nonsubstantive change to this provision.
(a)The department shall adopt rules and regulations that allow the placement, near exits on freeways located in rural areas, of information signs identifying specific roadside businesses offering fuel, food, lodging, electric vehicle charging facilities, camping services, approved 24-hour pharmacy services, or approved attractions, and that prescribe the standards for those signs.
(b)The department shall provide equal access to all business applicants.
(c)(1)(A)Except as provided in paragraph (2), the department shall not approve the placement of a sign within an urban area designated by the United States Bureau of the Census as having a population of 5,000 or more.
(B)The department may not remove an information sign that was placed before January 1, 2003, due solely to population growth in an urban area that results in a population of 5,000 or more but less than 10,000.
(2)(A)Notwithstanding paragraph (1), the department, until January 1, 2021, shall allow the placement of information signs along State Highway Route 65 within, or at exits leading to, the City of Lincoln and along Interstate 80 within, or at exits leading to, the City of Truckee.
(B)The authorization in this paragraph with respect to information signs along Interstate 80 within, or at exits leading to, the City of Truckee, shall apply only to incorporated areas with a population density of less than one person per acre surrounded entirely by land of the Tahoe National Forest.
(C)On or before January 1, 2020, the department shall report to the transportation committees of the Senate and Assembly on the implementation of this paragraph. The report shall describe the implementation and any benefits of, or concerns regarding, that implementation, and shall include recommendations as to whether or not the period of this program should be extended and whether or not the authorization for information signs under this section should be expanded to urban areas having a population of 5,000 or more.
(d)The information signs authorized in this section may be placed near the freeway exits in addition to, or in lieu of, other highway signs of the department, but not in lieu of on-premises or off-premises highway oriented business signs and directional signs.
(e)The department shall establish and charge a fee to place and maintain information signs in an amount not less than 25 percent above its estimated cost in placing and maintaining the information signs. The department shall annually review the amount of that fee and revise it as necessary. Funds derived from the imposition of the fee, after deduction of the cost to the department for the placement and maintenance of the information signs, shall be available, upon appropriation by the Legislature, for safety roadside rest purposes.
(f)The department shall incorporate the use of an RV-friendly symbol on an information sign placed pursuant to this section for a specific roadside business that meets criteria of the department regarding sufficiency for recreational vehicles with respect to the parking spaces and surfaces, vertical clearance, turning radius, and entrances and exits of the facility. A specific roadside business otherwise qualified for a sign pursuant to this section may qualify for and request an RV-friendly symbol for that sign. The department shall adopt rules and regulations for an RV-friendly symbol consistent with this section as well as the Federal Highway Administrations Interim Approval for Addition of RV-friendly Symbol to Specific Service Signs. The rules and regulations adopted by the department shall include a provision for the roadside business to acknowledge that overnight occupancy is not permitted unless the roadside business is licensed as a special occupancy park as defined in Section 18862.43 of the Health and Safety Code. The department shall establish and charge an additional fee pursuant to subdivision (e) to place and maintain the symbol.
(g)The department shall develop rules and regulations governing signs for approved attractions, which shall include amusement parks, botanical and zoological facilities, business districts and main street communities, education centers, golf courses, historical sites, museums, religious sites, resorts, ski areas, marinas, u-pick farms and orchards, farmers markets, and wineries, viticulture areas, and vineyards.
(a)The department shall adopt rules and regulations that allow the placement, near exits on freeways located in rural areas, of information signs identifying specific roadside businesses offering fuel, food, lodging, electric vehicle charging facilities, camping services, approved 24-hour pharmacy services, or approved attractions, and that prescribe the standards for those signs.
(b)The department shall provide equal access to all business applicants.
(c)(1)(A)Except as provided in paragraph (2), the department shall not approve the placement of a sign within an urban area designated by the United States Bureau of the Census as having a population of 5,000 or more.
(B)The department may not remove an information sign that was placed before January 1, 2003, due solely to population growth in an urban area that results in a population of 5,000 or more but less than 10,000.
(2)(A)Notwithstanding paragraph (1), the department, until January 1, 2021, shall allow the placement of information signs along State Highway Route 65 within, or at exits leading to, the City of Lincoln and along Interstate 80 within, or at exits leading to, the City of Truckee.
(B)The authorization in this paragraph with respect to information signs along Interstate 80 within, or at exits leading to, the City of Truckee, shall apply only to incorporated areas with a population density of less than one person per acre surrounded entirely by land of the Tahoe National Forest.
(C)On or before January 1, 2020, the department shall report to the transportation committees of the Senate and Assembly on the implementation of this paragraph. The report shall describe the implementation and any benefits of, or concerns regarding, that implementation, and shall include recommendations as to whether or not the period of this program should be extended and whether or not the authorization for information signs under this section should be expanded to urban areas having a population of 5,000 or more.
(d)The information signs authorized in this section may be placed near the freeway exits in addition to, or in lieu of, other highway signs of the department, but not in lieu of on-premises or off-premises highway oriented business signs and directional signs.
(e)The department shall establish and charge a fee to place and maintain information signs in an amount not less than 25 percent above its estimated cost in placing and maintaining the information signs. The department shall annually review the amount of that fee and revise it as necessary. Funds derived from the imposition of the fee, after deduction of the cost to the department for the placement and maintenance of the information signs, shall be available, upon appropriation by the Legislature, for safety roadside rest purposes.
(f)The department shall incorporate the use of an RV-friendly symbol on an information sign placed pursuant to this section for a specific roadside business that meets criteria of the department regarding sufficiency for recreational vehicles with respect to the parking spaces and surfaces, vertical clearance, turning radius, and entrances and exits of the facility. A specific roadside business otherwise qualified for a sign pursuant to this section may qualify for and request an RV-friendly symbol for that sign. The department shall adopt rules and regulations for an RV-friendly symbol consistent with this section as well as the Federal Highway Administrations Interim Approval for Addition of RV-friendly Symbol to Specific Service Signs. The rules and regulations adopted by the department shall include a provision for the roadside business to acknowledge that overnight occupancy is not permitted unless the roadside business is licensed as a special occupancy park as defined in Section 18862.43 of the Health and Safety Code. The department shall establish and charge an additional fee pursuant to subdivision (e) to place and maintain the symbol.
(g)The department shall develop rules and regulations governing signs for approved attractions, which shall include amusement parks, botanical and zoological facilities, business districts and main street communities, education centers, golf courses, historical sites, museums, religious sites, resorts, ski areas, marinas, u-pick farms and orchards, farmers markets, and wineries, viticulture areas, and vineyards.
(a)The department shall adopt rules and regulations that allow the placement, near exits on freeways located in rural areas, of information signs identifying specific roadside businesses offering fuel, food, lodging, electric vehicle charging facilities, camping services, approved 24-hour pharmacy services, or approved attractions, and that prescribe the standards for those signs.
(b)The department shall provide equal access to all business applicants.
(c)(1)(A)Except as provided in paragraph (2), the department shall not approve the placement of a sign within an urban area designated by the United States Bureau of the Census as having a population of 5,000 or more.
(B)The department may not remove an information sign that was placed before January 1, 2003, due solely to population growth in an urban area that results in a population of 5,000 or more but less than 10,000.
(2)(A)Notwithstanding paragraph (1), the department, until January 1, 2021, shall allow the placement of information signs along State Highway Route 65 within, or at exits leading to, the City of Lincoln and along Interstate 80 within, or at exits leading to, the City of Truckee.
(B)The authorization in this paragraph with respect to information signs along Interstate 80 within, or at exits leading to, the City of Truckee, shall apply only to incorporated areas with a population density of less than one person per acre surrounded entirely by land of the Tahoe National Forest.
(C)On or before January 1, 2020, the department shall report to the transportation committees of the Senate and Assembly on the implementation of this paragraph. The report shall describe the implementation and any benefits of, or concerns regarding, that implementation, and shall include recommendations as to whether or not the period of this program should be extended and whether or not the authorization for information signs under this section should be expanded to urban areas having a population of 5,000 or more.
(d)The information signs authorized in this section may be placed near the freeway exits in addition to, or in lieu of, other highway signs of the department, but not in lieu of on-premises or off-premises highway oriented business signs and directional signs.
(e)The department shall establish and charge a fee to place and maintain information signs in an amount not less than 25 percent above its estimated cost in placing and maintaining the information signs. The department shall annually review the amount of that fee and revise it as necessary. Funds derived from the imposition of the fee, after deduction of the cost to the department for the placement and maintenance of the information signs, shall be available, upon appropriation by the Legislature, for safety roadside rest purposes.
(f)The department shall incorporate the use of an RV-friendly symbol on an information sign placed pursuant to this section for a specific roadside business that meets criteria of the department regarding sufficiency for recreational vehicles with respect to the parking spaces and surfaces, vertical clearance, turning radius, and entrances and exits of the facility. A specific roadside business otherwise qualified for a sign pursuant to this section may qualify for and request an RV-friendly symbol for that sign. The department shall adopt rules and regulations for an RV-friendly symbol consistent with this section as well as the Federal Highway Administrations Interim Approval for Addition of RV-friendly Symbol to Specific Service Signs. The rules and regulations adopted by the department shall include a provision for the roadside business to acknowledge that overnight occupancy is not permitted unless the roadside business is licensed as a special occupancy park as defined in Section 18862.43 of the Health and Safety Code. The department shall establish and charge an additional fee pursuant to subdivision (e) to place and maintain the symbol.
(g)The department shall develop rules and regulations governing signs for approved attractions, which shall include amusement parks, botanical and zoological facilities, business districts and main street communities, education centers, golf courses, historical sites, museums, religious sites, resorts, ski areas, marinas, u-pick farms and orchards, farmers markets, and wineries, viticulture areas, and vineyards.
SECTION 1.Section 23123 of the Vehicle Code is amended to read:23123.(a)A person shall not drive a motor vehicle while using a wireless telephone unless that telephone is specifically designed and configured to allow hands-free listening and talking, and is used in that manner while driving.(b)A violation of this section is an infraction punishable by a base fine of twenty dollars ($20) for a first offense and fifty dollars ($50) for each subsequent offense.(c)This section does not apply to a person using a wireless telephone for emergency purposes, including, but not limited to, an emergency call to a law enforcement agency, health care provider, fire department, or other emergency services agency or entity.(d)This section does not apply to an emergency services professional using a wireless telephone while operating an authorized emergency vehicle, as defined in Section 165, in the course and scope of his or her duties.(e)This section does not apply to a person driving a schoolbus or transit vehicle that is subject to Section 23125.(f)This section does not apply to a person while driving a motor vehicle on private property.(a)A person shall not drive a motor vehicle while using a wireless telephone unless that telephone is specifically designed and configured to allow hands-free listening and talking, and is used in that manner while driving.
(b)A violation of this section is an infraction punishable by a base fine of twenty dollars ($20) for a first offense and fifty dollars ($50) for each subsequent offense.
(c)This section does not apply to a person using a wireless telephone for emergency purposes, including, but not limited to, an emergency call to a law enforcement agency, health care provider, fire department, or other emergency services agency or entity.
(d)This section does not apply to an emergency services professional using a wireless telephone while operating an authorized emergency vehicle, as defined in Section 165, in the course and scope of his or her duties.
(e)This section does not apply to a person driving a schoolbus or transit vehicle that is subject to Section 23125.
(f)This section does not apply to a person while driving a motor vehicle on private property.
(g)This section shall become operative on July 1, 2011.|
Date
|
Status
|
|---|---|
| Jul 31, 2017 | Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 158, Statutes of 2017. |
| Jul 31, 2017 | Approved by the Governor. |
| Jul 18, 2017 | Enrolled and presented to the Governor at 12:45 p.m. |
| Jul 13, 2017 | In Assembly. Ordered to Engrossing and Enrolling. |
| Jul 13, 2017 | Read third time. Passed. Ordered to the Assembly. (Ayes 39. Noes 0. Page 2025.). |
| Jul 11, 2017 | Read second time. Ordered to Consent Calendar. |
| Jul 10, 2017 | From committee: Be placed on second reading file pursuant to Senate Rule 28.8 and ordered to consent calendar. |
| Jun 28, 2017 | From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. with recommendation: To Consent Calendar. (Ayes 12. Noes 0.) (June 27). Re-referred to Com. on APPR. |
| Jun 14, 2017 | Referred to Com. on T. & H. |
| Jun 1, 2017 | In Senate. Read first time. To Com. on RLS. for assignment. |
| May 31, 2017 | Read third time. Passed. Ordered to the Senate. (Ayes 76. Noes 0. Page 1898.) |
| May 26, 2017 | From committee: Do pass. (Ayes 17. Noes 0.) (May 26). |
| May 10, 2017 | In committee: Set, first hearing. Referred to APPR. suspense file. |
| Apr 18, 2017 | From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. with recommendation: To Consent Calendar. (Ayes 13. Noes 0.) (April 17). Re-referred to Com. on APPR. |
| Apr 3, 2017 | In committee: Set, first hearing. Hearing canceled at the request of author. |
| Mar 22, 2017 | Re-referred to Com. on TRANS. |
| Mar 21, 2017 | From committee chair, with author's amendments: Amend, and re-refer to Com. on TRANS. Read second time and amended. |
| Mar 20, 2017 | Referred to Com. on TRANS. |
| Feb 19, 2017 | From printer. May be heard in committee March 21. |
| Feb 17, 2017 | Read first time. To print. |
|
Date
|
Description
|
Location
|
Votes
|
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 13, 2017 | Consent Calendar 2nd AB1633 | Senate Floor |
Passed |
|
| Jun 27, 2017 | Do pass, but first be re-referred to the Committee on [Appropriations] with the recommendation: To Consent Calendar | Senate Standing Committee on Transportation and Housing |
Passed |
|
| May 31, 2017 | AB 1633 FRAZIER Assembly Third Reading | Assembly Floor |
Passed |
|
| May 26, 2017 | Do pass. | Assembly Standing Committee on Appropriations |
Passed |
|
| Apr 17, 2017 | Do pass and be re-referred to the Committee on [Appropriations] with recommendation: To Consent Calendar | Assembly Standing Committee on Transportation |
Passed |
This list shows positions taken on this bill by organizations on the date displayed, which is linked to the original source.
Positions by individuals are not included.
|
Organization
|
Position
|
Date
|
|---|---|---|
| Automobile Club of Southern California | ** Support | Jul 12, 2017 |
| California New Car Dealers Association | ** Support | Jul 12, 2017 |
Office of Senate Floor Analyses (916) 651-1520 Fax: (916) 327-4478 | AB |
CONSENT
Bill No: AB 1633
:
SENATE TRANS. & HOUSING COMMITTEE: 12-0, 6/27/17
AYES: Beall, Cannella, Allen, Atkins, Bates, Gaines, McGuire, Mendoza, Morrell, Roth, Wieckowski, Wiener
NO VOTE RECORDED: Skinner
SENATE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE: Senate Rule 28.8
ASSEMBLY FLOOR: 76-0, 5/31/17 - See last page for vote
DIGEST:
This bill makes changes to the California Department of Transportation's (Caltrans) Business Logo Sign Program.
Existing law:
- Provides that Caltrans has full possession and control of the state highway system.
- Requires Caltrans to make improvements and maintain the state highway system.
- Provides a number of requirements and procedures relative to the placement and maintenance of highway signage.
- Directs Caltrans to adopt rules and regulations for its Business Logo Sign Program. The program allows the placement of signs near freeways identifying the presence of specific roadside businesses offering fuel, food, lodging, camping services, approved 24-hour pharmacy services, or specific approved attractions, under the following conditions:
- All business applicants must have equal access to the program; and,
- Caltrans is generally prohibited from placing business logo signs within urban areas designated by the United State Bureau of Census as having a population of 5,000 or more.
- Prohibits the removal of business logo signs placed before January 1, 2003, due solely to population growth in an urban area that results in a population of 5,000 or more but less than 10,000.
- Provides that only official traffic control devices that conform to the uniform standards and specifications promulgated by Caltrans may be placed on a street or highway. In promulgating the regulations, Caltrans is required to consult with local authorities and other specific entities.
This bill adds "electric vehicle charging facilities" to the list of services eligible for signage under Caltrans’ Business Logo Sign Program.
Comments
- Purpose. The author introduced this bill to facilitate the build out of electric vehicle charging infrastructure and to encourage the public's transition to electric vehicles.
- Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). In California, any device that guides, warns, or regulates motorists on a public street or highway must conform to standards promulgated by Caltrans and identified in the California MUTCD. Development of the standards in the California MUTCD is guided by federal standards contained in the National MUTCD. Changes to the California MUTCD are subject to review and approval by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and must be found by FHWA to be "in substantial compliance" with the National MUTCD.
The California MUTCD sets forth a General Service Sign Program. General service signs are white-on-blue signs and are intended to guide motorists to services that are not readily apparent to the driver. A typical general service sign is square and displays an icon, such as a telephone receiver to indicate access to telephone services or a gas pump to indicate access to a gas station. General service signs do not indicate the specific name of the business offering the service identified. The California MUTCD authorizes general service signs to direct motorists to electric vehicle charging stations.
- Business Logo Sign Program. Established in 1992, the business logo sign program is designed to direct motorist not familiar with the area to various services at or near rural freeway interchanges. Business logo signs only accommodate six logos per type of service (e.g., food, gas, lodging or camping), and Caltrans does not install more than one sign per type of service. To address situations in which there are more qualified applicants than available logo spaces; Caltrans uses a specific priority system to rank applicants for the program. For example, for lodging and camping signs, Caltrans prioritizes businesses that are closest to the highway. For food and fuel signs, priority is based on a point system that values proximity to the highway and longer hours of operation. Unlike General Service Sign Program, the Business Logo Sign Program does not include signage specific to electric vehicle charging facilities. This bill will provide the necessary authority for an electric vehicle charging facility to be placed on a business logo sign. The author introduced this bill to facilitate the build out of electric vehicle charging infrastructure and to encourage the public's transition to electric vehicles.
FISCAL EFFECT: Appropriation: Fiscal Com.: Local:
Automobile Club of Southern California
California New Car Dealers Association
OPPOSITION: (Verified 7/12/17)
None received
ASSEMBLY FLOOR: 76-0, 5/31/17
AYES: Acosta, Aguiar-Curry, Travis Allen, Arambula, Baker, Berman, Bigelow, Bloom, Bocanegra, Bonta, Brough, Burke, Caballero, Calderon, Cervantes, Chau, Chávez, Chiu, Chu, Cooley, Cooper, Cunningham, Dababneh, Dahle, Daly, Flora, Fong, Frazier, Friedman, Gallagher, Cristina Garcia, Eduardo Garcia, Gipson, Gloria, Gomez, Gonzalez Fletcher, Gray, Grayson, Harper, Holden, Irwin, Jones-Sawyer, Kalra, Kiley, Lackey, Levine, Limón, Low, Maienschein, Mathis, Mayes, McCarty, Medina, Mullin, Muratsuchi, Nazarian, Obernolte, O'Donnell, Patterson, Quirk, Quirk-Silva, Reyes, Ridley-Thomas, Rodriguez, Rubio, Salas, Santiago, Steinorth, Mark Stone, Thurmond, Ting, Voepel, Waldron, Weber, Wood, Rendon
NO VOTE RECORDED: Chen, Choi, Eggman, Melendez
7/12/17 15:29:38
**** END ****
SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION AND HOUSING
Senator Jim Beall, Chair
2017 - 2018 Regular
Bill No: AB 1633 Hearing Date: 6/27/17
Author: | Frazier | ||
Version: | 3/21/2017 | ||
Urgency: | No | Fiscal: | Yes |
Consultant: | Manny Leon | ||
SUBJECT: State highways: exit information signs.
DIGEST: This bill makes changes to California Department of Transportation's (Caltrans) Business Logo Sign Program.
ANALYSIS:
Existing law:
- Provides that Caltrans has full possession and control of the state highway system.
- Requires Caltrans to make improvements and maintain the state highway system.
- Provides a number of requirements and procedures relative to the placement and maintenance of highway signage.
- Directs Caltrans to adopt rules and regulations for its Business Logo Sign Program. The program allows the placement of signs near freeways identifying the presence of specific roadside businesses offering fuel, food, lodging, camping services, approved 24-hour pharmacy services, or specific approved attractions, under the following conditions:
- All business applicants must have equal access to the program; and,
- Caltrans is generally prohibited from placing business logo signs within urban areas designated by the United State Bureau of Census as having a population of 5,000 or more.
- Prohibits the removal of business logo signs placed before January 1, 2003, due solely to population growth in an urban area that results in a population of 5,000 or more but less than 10,000.
- Provides that only official traffic control devices that conform to the uniform standards and specifications promulgated by Caltrans may be placed on a street or highway. In promulgating the regulations, Caltrans is required to consult with local authorities and other specific entities.
This bill adds "electric vehicle charging facilities" to the list of services eligible for signage under Caltrans’ Business Logo Sign Program.
COMMENTS:
- Purpose. The author introduced this bill to facilitate the build out of electric vehicle charging infrastructure and to encourage the public's transition to electric vehicles.
- MUTCD. In California, any device that guides, warns, or regulates motorists on a public street or highway must conform to standards promulgated by Caltrans and identified in the California Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (California MUTCD). Development of the standards in the California MUTCD is guided by federal standards contained in the National MUTCD. Changes to the California MUTCD are subject to review and approval by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and must be found by FHWA to be "in substantial compliance" with the National MUTCD.
The California MUTCD sets forth a General Service Sign Program. General services signs are white-on-blue signs and are intended to guide motorists to services that are not readily apparent to the driver. A typical general service sign is square and display an icon, such a telephone receiver to indicate access to telephone services or a gas pump to indicate access to a gas station. General services signs do not indicate the specific name of the business offering the service identified. The California MUTCD authorizes general service signs to direct motorists to electric vehicle charging stations.
- Business Logo Sign Program. Established in 1992, the business logo sign program is designed to direct motorist not familiar with the area to various services at or near rural freeway interchanges. Business logo signs only accommodate six logos per type of service (e.g., food, gas, lodging or camping), and Caltrans does not install more than one sign per type of service. To address situations in which there are more qualified applicants than available logo spaces; Caltrans uses a specific priority system to rank applicants for the program. For example, for lodging and camping signs, Caltrans prioritizes businesses that are closest to the highway. For food and fuel signs, priority is based on a point system that values proximity to the highway and longer hours of operation. Unlike General Service Sign Program, the Business Logo Program does not include signage specific to electric vehicle charging facilities. This bill will provide the necessary authority for an electric vehicle charging facility to be placed on a business logo sign. The author introduced this bill to facilitate the build out of electric vehicle charging infrastructure and to encourage the public's transition to electric vehicles.
Assembly votes:
Floor: 76-0
Approps: 17-0
Trans: 13-0
FISCAL EFFECT: Appropriation: Fiscal Com.: Local:
POSITIONS: (Communicated to the committee before noon on Wednesday,
June 21, 2017.)
SUPPORT:
Automobile Club of Southern California
California New Car Dealers Association
OPPOSITION:
None received.
-- END --
ASSEMBLY THIRD READING
ATR Bill Id:AB 1633
Author:(Frazier)
As Amended Ver:March 21, 2017
Majority vote
Committee | Votes | Ayes | Noes |
Transportation | 13-0 | Frazier, Fong, Aguiar-Curry, Baker, Berman, Bocanegra, Chu, Daly, Friedman, Harper, Medina, Nazarian, O'Donnell | |
Appropriations | 17-0 | Gonzalez Fletcher, Bigelow, Bloom, Bocanegra, Bonta, Brough, Calderon, McCarty, Quirk, Fong, Friedman, Gallagher, Eduardo Garcia, Gray, Muratsuchi, Obernolte, Reyes |
|
SUMMARY: Adds "electric vehicle charging facilities" to the list of services eligible for signage under the California Department of Transportation's (Caltrans') Business Logo Sign Program.
EXISTING LAW:
- Directs Caltrans to adopt rules and regulations for its Business Logo Sign Program. The program allows the placement of signs near freeways identifying the presence of specific roadside businesses offering fuel, food, lodging, camping services, approved 24-hour pharmacy services, or specific approved attractions, under the following conditions:
- All business applicants must have equal access to the program; and,
- Caltrans is generally prohibited from placing business logo signs within urban areas designated by the United State Bureau of Census as having a population of 5,000 or more.
FISCAL EFFECT: According to the Assembly Appropriations Committee:
- Unknown special fund costs, likely in the hundreds of thousands of dollars, to modify existing signs and/or install new signs, depending on interest in the program. For example, Caltrans indicates installing signs for the program at a single interchange costs about $10,000. At this cost, if Caltrans were to install 20 new signs, the cost would be $200,000.
- Unknown increase in revenue over time from permit fees charged to recover the initial costs of installing the signs and the ongoing costs of maintaining them.
COMMENTS: In California, any device that guides, warns, or regulates motorists on a public street or highway must conform to standards promulgated by Caltrans and identified in the California Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (California MUTCD). Development of the standards in the California MUTCD is guided by federal standards contained in the National MUTCD. Changes to the California MUTCD are subject to review and approval by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and must be found by FHWA to be "in substantial compliance" with the National MUTCD.
The California MUTCD sets forth a General Service Sign Program. General services signs are white-on-blue signs and are intended to guide motorists to services that are not readily apparent to the driver. A typical general service sign is square and display an icon, such a telephone receiver to indicate access to telephone services or a gas pump to indicate access to a gas station. General services signs do not indicate the specific name of the business offering the service identified. The California MUTCD authorizes general service signs to direct motorists to electric vehicle charging stations.
The California MUTCD also authorizes a Business Logo Sign Program. This program was originally created to provide motorists with information regarding specific roadside businesses offering fuel, food, lodging, or camping services alongside Interstate 5. The program was later expanded to rural areas more generally. Implementing regulations promulgated by Caltrans, and set forth in the California MUTCD, identify criteria businesses must meet to be included in the program.
Business logo signs only accommodate six logos per type of service (e.g., food, gas, lodging or camping), and Caltrans does not install more than one sign per type of service. To address situations in which there are more qualified applicants than available logo spaces, Caltrans uses a specific priority system to rank applicants for the program. For example, for lodging and camping signs, Caltrans prioritizes businesses that are closest to the highway. For food and fuel signs, priority is based on a point system that values proximity to the highway and longer hours of operation. Unlike General Service Sign Program, the Business Logo Program does not include signage specific to electric vehicle charging facilities.
The author introduced this bill to facilitate the build out of electric vehicle charging infrastructure and to encourage the public's transition to electric vehicles. The Governor and the Legislature have set forth ambitious goals for the wide-scale deployment of zero-emission vehicles, such as electric vehicles. To date, however, the public's acceptance of electric vehicles has been significantly hampered by what is referred to as "range anxiety." Range anxiety is worry on the part of a person driving an electric car that the battery will run out of power before the destination or a suitable charging point is reached. Range anxiety is often cited as the most important reason why many are reluctant to buy electric cars.
This bill goes beyond just identifying the presence of electric vehicle charging stations. It encourages businesses to install electric vehicle charging facilities at their location by offering additional opportunities to participate in the Business Logo Sign Program. Furthermore, Caltrans would likely establish priorities for the program, consistent with priorities for the other services within the program, that give greater deference to businesses that offer higher levels of electric vehicle charging service. As more and more electric vehicle charging stations are installed, range anxiety should diminish and acceptance of electric vehicles will potentially increase.
Please see the policy committee analysis for full discussion of this bill.
Analysis Prepared by: Janet Dawson / TRANS. / (916) 319-2093 FN: 0000725
Date of Hearing: May 10, 2017
ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS
Lorena Gonzalez Fletcher, Chair
ABPCA Bill Id:AB 1633
Author:(Frazier) – As Amended Ver:March 21, 2017
Policy Committee: | Transportation | Vote: | 13 - 0 |
Urgency: No State Mandated Local Program: No Reimbursable: No
SUMMARY:
This bill adds "electric vehicle charging facilities" to the list of services eligible for signage under the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) Business Logo Sign Program.
FISCAL EFFECT:
- Unknown special fund costs, likely in the hundreds of thousands of dollars, to modify existing signs and/or install new signs, depending on interest in the program. For example, Caltrans indicates installing signs for the program at a single interchange costs about $10,000. At this cost, if Caltrans were to install 20 new signs, the cost would be $200,000.
- Unknown increase in revenue over time from permit fees charged to recover the initial costs of installing the signs and the ongoing costs of maintaining them.
COMMENTS:
- Background. Existing law directs Caltrans to adopt rules and regulations for its Business Logo Sign Program. The program allows the placement of signs near freeways identifying the presence of specific roadside businesses offering fuel, food, lodging, camping services, approved 24-hour pharmacy services, or specific approved attractions, under certain conditions. Existing law also requires Caltrans to charge a fee to place and maintain information signs in an amount equal to or greater than 25 percent above the department’s estimated costs for placing and maintaining the sign. Remaining funds are available, upon appropriation, for roadside safety rest areas. In practice, Caltrans charges permit fees to participating businesses in way that recovers the costs of installing and maintaining the signs over time, rather than requiring the businesses to pay for the costs upfront.
- Purpose. The author states that he introduced this bill to facilitate the build-out of electric vehicle charging infrastructure and to encourage the public's transition to electric vehicles. The Governor and the Legislature have set forth ambitious goals for the wide-scale deployment of zero-emission vehicles, such as electric vehicles. However, the author believes the public's acceptance of electric vehicles has been significantly hampered by what is referred to as "range anxiety." The author also notes that this bill goes beyond just identifying the presence of electric vehicle charging stations, he believes it also encourages businesses to install electric vehicle charging facilities at their location by offering additional opportunities to participate in the Business Logo Sign Program.
Analysis Prepared by: Jessica Peters / APPR. / (916) 319-2081
Date of Hearing: April 17, 2017
ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION
Jim Frazier, Chair
ABPCA Bill Id:AB 1633 (
Author:Frazier) – As Amended Ver:March 21, 2017
SUBJECT: State highways: exit information signs
SUMMARY: Adds "electric vehicle charging facilities" to the list of services eligible for signage under the California Department of Transportation's (Caltrans’) Business Logo Sign Program.
EXISTING LAW:
- Directs Caltrans to adopt rules and regulations for its Business Logo Sign Program. The program allows the placement of signs near freeways identifying the presence of specific roadside businesses offering fuel, food, lodging, camping services, approved 24-hour pharmacy services, or specific approved attractions, under the following conditions:
- All business applicants must have equal access to the program; and,
- Caltrans is generally prohibited from placing business logo signs within urban areas designated by the United State Bureau of Census as having a population of 5,000 or more.
- Prohibits the removal of business logo signs placed before January 1, 2003, due solely to population growth in an urban area that results in a population of 5,000 or more but less than 10,000.
- Provides that only official traffic control devices that conform to the uniform standards and specifications promulgated by Caltrans may be placed on a street or highway. In promulgating the regulations, Caltrans is required to consult with local authorities and other specific entities.
FISCAL EFFECT: Unknown
COMMENTS: In California, any device that guides, warns, or regulates motorists on a public street or highway must conform to standards promulgated by Caltrans and identified in the California Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (California MUTCD). Development of the standards in the California MUTCD is guided by federal standards contained in the National MUTCD. Changes to the California MUTCD are subject to review and approval by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and must be found by FHWA to be "in substantial compliance" with the National MUTCD.
The California MUTCD sets forth a General Service Sign Program. General services signs are white-on-blue signs and are intended to guide motorists to services that are not readily apparent to the driver. A typical general service sign is square and display an icon, such a telephone receiver to indicate access to telephone services or a gas pump to indicate access to a gas station. General services signs do not indicate the specific name of the business offering the service identified. The California MUTCD authorizes general service signs to direct motorists to electric vehicle charging stations.
The California MUTCD also authorizes a Business Logo Sign Program. This program was originally created to provide motorists with information regarding specific roadside businesses offering fuel, food, lodging, or camping services alongside Interstate 5. The program was later expanded to rural areas more generally. Implementing regulations promulgated by Caltrans, and set forth in the California MUTCD, identify criteria businesses must meet to be included in the program. For example, gas stations must meet the following criteria:
- The business must be generally neat, clean, and have a comfortable appearance and an adequate scope of services.
- The business must be located within one mile of the freeway interchange and it must provide vehicle services, including fuel, oil, tire repair, battery, and radiator water. It must also provide public restrooms, water fountains, and telephones and it must be open for a specified number of hours per day.
Business logo signs only accommodate six logos per type of service (e.g., food, gas, lodging or camping), and Caltrans does not install more than one sign per type of service. To address situations in which there are more qualified applicants than available logo spaces, Caltrans uses a specific priority system to rank applicants for the program. For example, for lodging and camping signs, Caltrans prioritizes businesses that are closest to the highway. For food and fuel signs, priority is based on a point system that values proximity to the highway and longer hours of operation. Unlike General Service Sign Program, the Business Logo Program does not include signage specific to electric vehicle charging facilities.
The author introduced this bill to facilitate the build out of electric vehicle charging infrastructure and to encourage the public's transition to electric vehicles. The Governor and the Legislature have set forth ambitious goals for the wide-scale deployment of zero-emission vehicles, such as electric vehicles. To date, however, the public's acceptance of electric vehicles has been significantly hampered by what is referred to as "range anxiety." Range anxiety is worry on the part of a person driving an electric car that the battery will run out of power before the destination or a suitable charging point is reached. Range anxiety is often cited as the most important reason why many are reluctant to buy electric cars.
This bill goes beyond just identifying the presence of electric vehicle charging stations. It encourages businesses to install electric vehicle charging facilities at their location by offering additional opportunities to participate in the Business Logo Sign Program. Furthermore, Caltrans would likely establish priorities for the program, consistent with priorities for the other services within the program, that give greater deference to businesses that offer higher levels of electric vehicle charging service. As more and more electric vehicle charging stations are installed, range anxiety should diminish and acceptance of electric vehicles will potentially increase.
REGISTERED SUPPORT / OPPOSITION:
Support
California New Car Dealers Association
Opposition
None on file
Analysis Prepared by: Janet Dawson / TRANS. /
Date of Hearing: April 3, 2017
ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION
Jim Frazier, Chair
ABPCA Bill Id:AB 1633 (
Author:Frazier) – As Amended Ver:March 21, 2017
SUBJECT: State highways: exit information signs
SUMMARY: Adds "electric vehicle charging facilities" to the list of services eligible for signage under the California Department of Transportation's (Caltrans’) Business Logo Signing Program.
EXISTING LAW:
- Directs Caltrans to adopt rules and regulations for its Business Logo Signing Program. The program allows the placement of signs near freeways identifying the presence of specific roadside businesses offering fuel, food, lodging, camping services, approved 24-hour pharmacy services, or specific approved attractions, under the following conditions:
- All business applicants must have equal access to the program; and,
- Caltrans is generally prohibited from placing business logo signs within urban areas designated by the United State Bureau of Census as having a population of 5,000 or more.
- Prohibits the removal of business logo signs placed before January 1, 2003, due solely to population growth in an urban area that results in a population of 5,000 or more but less than 10,000.
- Provides that only official traffic control devices that conform to the uniform standards and specifications promulgated by Caltrans may be placed on a street or highway. In promulgating the regulations, Caltrans is required to consult with local authorities and other specific entities.
FISCAL EFFECT: Unknown
COMMENTS: In California, any device that guides, warns, or regulates motorists on a public street or highway must conform to standards promulgated by Caltrans and identified in the California Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (California MUTCD). Development of the standards in the California MUTCD is guided by federal standards contained in the National MUTCD. Changes to the California MUTCD are subject to review and approval by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and must be found by FHWA to be "in substantial compliance" with the National MUTCD.
The California MUTCD sets forth a General Service Sign Program. General services signs are white-on-blue signs and are intended to guide motorists to services that are not readily apparent to the driver. A typical general service sign is square and display an icon, such a telephone receiver to indicate access to telephone services or a gas pump to indicate access to a gas station. General services signs do not indicate the specific name of the business offering the service identified. The California MUTCD authorizes general service signs to direct motorists to electric vehicle charging stations.
The California MUTCD also authorizes a Business Logo Signing Program. This program was originally created to provide motorists with information regarding specific roadside businesses offering fuel, food, lodging, or camping services alongside Interstate 5. The program was later expanded to rural areas more generally. Implementing regulations promulgated by Caltrans, and set forth in the California MUTCD, identify criteria businesses must meet to be included in the program. For example, gas stations must meet the following criteria:
- The business must be generally neat, clean, and have a comfortable appearance and an adequate scope of services.
- The business must be located within one mile of the freeway interchange and it must provide vehicle services, including fuel, oil, tire repair, battery, and radiator water. It must also provide public restrooms, water fountains, and telephones and it must be open for a specified number of hours per day.
Business logo signs only accommodate six logos per type of service (e.g., food, gas, lodging or camping), and Caltrans does not install more than one sign per type of service. To address situations in which there are more qualified applicants than available logo spaces, Caltrans uses a specific priority system to rank applicants for the program. For example, for lodging and camping signs, Caltrans prioritizes businesses that are closest to the highway. For food and fuel signs, priority is based on a point system that values proximity to the highway and longer hours of operation. Unlike General Service Sign Program, the Business Logo Program does not include signage specific to electric vehicle charging facilities.
The author introduced this bill to facilitate the build out of electric vehicle charging infrastructure and to encourage the public's transition to electric vehicles. The Governor and the Legislature have set forth ambitious goals for the wide-scale deployment of zero-emission vehicles, such as electric vehicles. To date, however, the public's acceptance of electric vehicles has been significantly hampered by what is referred to as "range anxiety." Range anxiety is worry on the part of a person driving an electric car that the battery will run out of power before the destination or a suitable charging point is reached. Range anxiety is often cited as the most important reason why many are reluctant to buy electric cars.
This bill goes beyond just identifying the presence of electric vehicle charging stations. It encourages businesses to install electric vehicle charging facilities at their location by offering additional opportunities to participate in the Business Logo Sign Program. Furthermore, Caltrans would likely establish priorities for the program, consistent with priorities for the other services within the program, that give greater deference to businesses that offer higher levels of electric vehicle charging service. As more and more electric vehicle charging stations are installed, range anxiety should diminish and acceptance of electric vehicles will potentially increase.
REGISTERED SUPPORT / OPPOSITION:
Support
None on file
Opposition
None on file
Analysis Prepared by: Janet Dawson / TRANS. /
Discussed in Hearing
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