HIGHWAY ADVERTISING:

RELIGIOUS AND SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS

House Bill 5919

Sponsor:  Rep. Martin Griffin

Committee:  Transportation

Complete to 4-9-08

A SUMMARY OF HOUSE BILL 5919 AS INTRODUCED 3-20-08

The bill would amend the Highway Advertising Act to require the Department of Transportation to issue a permit for a new sign structure (billboard) if the sign is in the service club or religious category (as defined in department rules) and if the sign measures eight square feet or less.  The act applies to signs along primary highways, freeways, and interstates.

[Public Act 447 of 2006 amended the Highway Advertising Act, generally speaking, to prohibit the issuing of annual permits for new signs beginning in 2007.  The effect of the 2006 law, according to MDOT, is that "no new billboard permits will be issued to an individual or company who does not currently hold a permit. If an individual or company does hold a permit, they have the option of removing their current sign (if built), receiving interim permits, and finding a more desirable location for a new sign. The maximum interim permits a permit holder can receive for removing a built structure is two."  The effect of the law was to cap billboard permits at then-current levels.]

MCL 252.307a

FISCAL IMPACT:

A fiscal analysis is in process.

                                                                                           Legislative Analyst:   Chris Couch

                                                                                                  Fiscal Analyst:   William E. Hamilton

■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.