SB 321 - This act imposes several restriction upon outdoor advertising. It removes the statement that outdoor advertising is of essential to the economic welfare of the tourism industry.

PLACEMENT RESTRICTIONS - No signs may be placed along any major highway unless permitted by a majority vote of the relevant political subdivision. The minimum spacing shall be 500 feet between signs on all highways, not just federal-aid highways. Signs may not be placed on the side of a highway opposite unzoned commercial or industrial land.

AMORTIZATION - Signs in a zoned area may be removed by ordinance according to "amortization" rules. Amortization refers to the damaged or dilapidated signs (at least 50% of value), moved signs, obscured signs or signs without a message for 6 months. Signs may be removed through amortization rules after January 1, 2002.

VEGETATION - No vegetation shall be trimmed solely because it interferes with a billboard. The penalty for violation is a fine of $5,000.

PENALTY - Any person erecting a billboard in violation of the law shall pay a fine of $500 per day that the violation persists.

REFERENDUM - This act is submitted to a public vote at the next general or primary election.

MIKE HOEFERKAMP