ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥

So the veteran senator from Mesa is proposing to make illegal any sign that “promotes unlawful goods or activities to the public.�

But his legislation does not stop there. SB 1294 would also outlaw any billboard that “may be interpreted as contributing to the delinquency of a minor.� And Farnsworth acknowledged that potentially cuts a wide — and politically problematic — swath.

The proposal comes as Sen. Sonny Borrelli, R-Lake Havasu City, has temporarily put the brakes on SB 1114, which would allow electronic billboards in his section of northwest ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥.

That legislation is a slimmed-down version of what Borrelli tried last year, only to be slapped down by colleagues. It had been scheduled for a hearing Monday but Borrelli yanked it from consideration in a bid to line up votes.

Farnsworth’s measure is designed to deal with a different problem: too much outdoor advertising — at least of the type he considers unacceptable.

He told Capitol Media Services it started with a constituents pointing out a billboard “a few blocks from my houseâ€� advertising the annual “Hemp Festâ€� taking place near Las Vegas. Nevada recently joined other states in making the use of marijuana legal for all adults; the drug is legal in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ only for those who have a doctor’s recommendation.

“I was offended by it,� Farnsworth said. The senator said he believes his proposal “will help.�

But potential issues remain.

For example, Farnsworth acknowledged that if billboards cannot promote things that are not legal, ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ would preclude Nevada casinos from advertising along ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ roads.

“The bill as written may be too broad,� he conceded.

And then there’s the language about promoting the delinquency of a minor, defined in existing law as “any act that tends to debate or injure the moral, health or welfare of a child.� Farnsworth said that could be interpreted to preclude advertising of tobacco and alcohol, both items permissible for adults but legally off limits to minors.

“You know my reputation,� Farnsworth said.

“I’m probably the most socially conservative person in the Legislature,� he said. “So it wouldn’t offend me if we outlaw all those things.�

No date has been set for a hearing.