Advertising bill runs into stiff opposition

Wednesday, March 21, 2001 | 10:29 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- A bill to permit commercial advertisements in state-owned buildings ran into opposition today from members of the Assembly Government Affairs Committee.

Committee Chairman Doug Bache, D-Las Vegas, told bill sponsor Assemblyman Dennis Nolan, R-Las Vegas, "I don't want to see the legislative building turned into a billboard, and the same goes for the Capitol."

Assemblywoman Debbie Smith, D-Sparks, said, "I don't like to see advertisement anywhere." The bill would put the state on a "slippery slope," she said.

Nolan said Assembly Bill 329 was suggested by people who experienced long waits at the state Department of Motor Vehicles and Public Safety. Advertisements would not only help people pass the time but would also mean revenue for the agency.

Ginny Lewis, deputy director of the motor vehicles department, said it has money in its budget to install reader boards at offices for the public to view. Accepting advertisements could offset the cost, she said.

But Assemblywoman Vivian Freeman, D-Reno, said she didn't like the bill because it was "revenue driven." She added, "If people need something to do, they can bring a book."

Nolan, however, said this is being done in 30 states, which are earning millions of dollars in revenue.

He got support from Assemblywoman Kathy Von Tobel, R-Las Vegas, who said people are bombarded with advertising. It even appears on the laptops given to legislators. She noted the Legislature approved a bill to allow advertisements on school buses. "We've opened the gate. If it brings in extra revenue to the state, it's a positive."

Bache said he voted against the school bus advertisement bill.

Assemblyman David Humke, R-Reno, wondered whether the advertisement might prove "salacious." Nolan said he envisions the DMV running public safety messages on its reader board -- "Buckle Up," for example -- that would be sponsored by a commercial firm.

The committee did not take action.