Bill Forcing Angels To Disclose Geographic Location Dropped

California state Assembly member Tom Umberg yesterday “quietly dropped a bill that would have required the [Angels] to include geographic disclosures on advertisements and tickets,” according to Bill Shaikin of the L.A. TIMES. Umberg agreed to withdraw the bill before its scheduled hearing in front of the state Senate Business & Professions Committee. Committee Chair Liz Figueroa said there “were not enough votes to pass it.” Shaikin notes the Angels and the California Broadcasters Association (CBA) “lobbied against the bill, with the team arguing that the matter is properly handled in court and that ticket sales above 3 million prove that fans are not confused or deceived about where the team plays.” The CBA “contended disclosures mandated by the bill could make radio advertising impractical.” Legislative rules “allow Umberg to introduce the bill again next year, an option he said he would consider if the trial does not result in the return of the Anaheim Angels name” (L.A. TIMES, 7/12).