The following is the text of a letter from Arizona Governor Jan Brewer to the Speaker of the Arizona House dated March 28, 2012″

March 28, 2012

The Honorable Andy Tobin
Speaker of the House
Arizona House of Representatives
1700 West Washington
Phoenix, Arizona 85007

Re: House Bill 2757 (billboards; changing message; authorization)

Dear Speaker Tobin,

Today, I vetoed House Bill 2757. This bill allows electronic billboards capable of changing messages to be placed in public rights-of-way along state highways, and sets standards for display transition times.

The Legislature and outdoor advertising companies seek to make existing electronic billboards lawful under Arizona Revised Statutes. There is a legitimate need to update Arizona’s outdoor advertising laws in order to reduce confusion and accommodate advancements in technology and business development.

I am also mindful, however, of Arizona’s unique position as a national leader in astronomy and stargazing, thanks to our dark skies. Arizona is fortunate to be home to important astronomy installations across the state, including Lowell Observatory, in Flagstaff, Kitt Peak National Observatory, outside Tucson, and Mount Graham International Observatory, near Safford and managed by the University of Arizona. The astronomy industry has invested $1.2 billion in Arizona, represents more than 3,300 jobs and has an estimated economic impact of $250 million each year.

I simply refuse to place all of this in jeopardy.

I am confident a balance can be achieved that benefits both industries. For this reason, I have vetoed House Bill 2757 with the assurance that the sponsor will complete the work necessary to draft legislation that allows outdoor advertising companies to remain viable while identifying standards – governing aspects such as illumination, timing and buffer areas – in order to protect the astronomy community. The Arizona Department of Transportation will play a key role in these standards, filling the gap where county and city ordinances may be silent. To this end, I have tasked Director John Halikowski with updating antiquated rules related to outdoor advertising.

This is a valuable opportunity in which the State of Arizona can both preserve its astronomy industry and update state law to accommodate new technology. I ask that members of both communities – astronomy and outdoor advertising work in good faith in order to reach a mutually-agreeable compromise that advances our state.

This session or next, I expect to receive legislation governing this issue that I can sign into law.

Sincerely,

Janice K. Brewer
Governor

CHAPTER 91
HOUSE BILL 2129
an Act

 Amending Section 33-1343, Arizona Revised Statutes; relating to the Arizona Residential Landlord and Tenant Act.  Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of Arizona:

 Section 1. Section 33-1343, Arizona Revised Statutes, is amended to read:

33-1343. Access

 A. The tenant shall not unreasonably withhold consent to the landlord to enter into the dwelling unit in order to inspect the premises, make necessary or agreed repairs, decorations, alterations or improvements, supply necessary or agreed services or exhibit the dwelling unit to prospective or actual purchasers, mortgagees, tenants, workmen or contractors.

 B. If the tenant notifies the landlord of a service request or a request for maintenance as prescribed in section 33‑1341, paragraph 8, the notice from the tenant constitutes permission from the tenant for the landlord to enter the dwelling unit pursuant to subsection D of this section for the sole purpose of acting on the service or maintenance request and the tenant waives receipt of any separate or additional access notice that may be required pursuant to subsection D of this section.

C. The landlord may enter the dwelling unit without consent of the tenant in case of emergency.

D. The landlord shall not abuse the right to access or use it to harass the tenant. Except in case of emergency or if it is impracticable to do so, the landlord shall give the tenant at least two days’ notice of the landlord’s intent to enter and enter only at reasonable times.

E. The landlord has no other right of access except by court order and as permitted by sections 33‑1369 and 33‑1370, or if the tenant has abandoned or surrendered the premises.

Approved by the Governor March 27, 2012.

Filed in the Office of the Secretary of State March 27, 2012.