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 includes a definition of "billboard" that encompasses advertising devices visible to all individuals, regardless of whether they are in a vehicle. It declares that existing billboards will be considered nonconforming uses, meaning they can remain but cannot be replaced or expanded. Any conflicting local ordinances or policies will be rendered void and unenforceable.

Additionally, the bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 462.357, subdivision 1c, to specify that the prohibition on amortization does not apply to billboards as defined in the new section 173.28. This means municipalities cannot eliminate or terminate existing billboards through amortization, which is a method of phasing out nonconforming uses over time. The effective date for these provisions is set for the day following final enactment.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 462.357