This bill establishes a statewide moratorium on the issuance of permits for new billboards in Minnesota, recognizing the state's natural beauty and the importance of tourism to its economy. The legislation declares that existing billboards will be considered nonconforming uses, meaning they are allowed to remain but cannot be replaced or expanded. The bill includes a definition of "billboard" and specifies that it does not include advertising devices related to businesses or services located on the premises where the sign is displayed.

Additionally, the bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 462.357, subdivision 1c, to clarify that the prohibition on amortization does not apply to billboards as defined in the new section. This means municipalities cannot enact ordinances that would eliminate or terminate existing billboards through amortization. The effective date for the new provisions is set for the day following final enactment.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 462.357
1st Engrossment: 462.357