TOURIST-ORIENTED DIRECTIONAL SIGNS S.B. 176:
SUMMARY OF BILL
REPORTED FROM COMMITTEE
Senate Bill 176 (as reported without amendment)
Sponsor: Senator Tom Casperson
CONTENT
The bill would amend Public Act 299 of 1996, which regulates tourist-oriented directional signs on rural roads, to create an exception to the requirement that a tourist-oriented activity is not visible from the rural road for which a tourist-oriented directional sign is sought. Under the bill, this would apply unless a sign for an eligible attraction was already in place in the vicinity for which the tourist-oriented directional sign was sought.
The Act required the Department of Transportation to implement a program for the placement of tourist-oriented directional signs and markers within the right-of-way of those portions of rural roads within State jurisdiction. The program must include, among other things, criteria for including on a sign the season and hours of an eligible attraction. The Department also must develop optional, standardized symbols for different types of activities associated with eligible attractions.
The Act defines "tourist-oriented activity" as a lawful cultural, historical, recreational, educational, or commercial activity that is annually attended by 2,000 or more people and for which a major portion of the activity's income or visitors are derived during the normal business season from motorists not residing in the immediate area of the activity.
"Eligible attraction" means a tourist-oriented activity that is all of the following:
-- Within 10 miles of the rural road for which a tourist-oriented directional sign is sought, unless otherwise restricted or permitted by the Department.
-- Not visible from the rural road for which a tourist-oriented directional sign is sought.
-- In compliance with a Federal law that regulates outdoor advertising, and the national standards, criteria, and rules established under the Code, if the activity is advertised by rural road signs.
Under the bill, a tourist-oriented activity could not be visible from the rural road for which a sign was sought unless a sign for an eligible attraction was already in place in that vicinity.
MCL 247.401 Legislative Analyst: Drew Krogulecki
FISCAL IMPACT
The bill would have no fiscal impact on State or local government.
Date Completed: 3-10-17 Fiscal Analyst: Michael Siracuse
This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.