The proposed bill, if enacted, would amend current statutes by allowing cities and towns to place wayfinding signs in designated preapproved locations without the need to submit an application for preapproval to the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT). The cities and towns would still be required to submit the final design and placement of the signs to ADOT. The bill specifies a list of preapproved locations for these signs, which includes downtown areas, business districts, schools, parks, arboretums, trails, community centers, municipal buildings, airports, bus or rail depots, museums, planetariums, and subdivisions for newly constructed homes that are platted and recorded after the effective date of the bill.

Additionally, the bill appropriates $300,000 from the state General Fund for fiscal year 2026-2027 to ADOT for grants to rural communities to support the installation of full wayfinding signs. ADOT is tasked with awarding these grants in conjunction with new projects located in rural communities. This funding aims to enhance wayfinding signage in rural areas, thereby improving navigation and access to local attractions.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 28-7916
Senate Engrossed Version: 28-7916