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A Minnesota lawmaker wants to prohibit new billboard signs across the state. 

Sen. John Marty, DFL-Roseville, said the signs detract from the state's natural scenic beauty, and pose a safety concern for motorists. He authored a bill that would impose a statewide moratorium on new billboards.

"When you look at all the marketing Minnesota does for tourism, you look at the TV commercials we provide, the online stuff to promote our state for tourism for other states — beautiful pictures — none of them have any billboards in them,” he said Wednesday during a hearing before the Senate transportation committee.

Marty’s bill would allow existing billboards to remain but declare them a nonconforming use. Cities and counties could choose to phase them out over time.

“This isn't banning them,” he said. “It's just simply saying, don't we have enough billboards? And I think the reality is, most people think we do have enough.”

Marty has tried several times in previous years to pass similar legislation without success. He said four other U.S. states — Vermont, Maine, Alaska and Hawaii — have similar legislation.

The bill has the support of Scenic America, a nonprofit that aims to preserve the nation’s scenic beauty. Mark Falzone, the organization’s president, called it “a significant step toward protecting the unique beauty and character of Minnesota's landscapes,” as well as improving highway safety.

“This would add Minnesota to the list of states that have chosen to prioritize scenic beauty over the interests of billboard blight,” Falzone said. He cited studies that show billboards distract drivers and increase the risk of crashes.

Representatives of billboard companies testified against the bill, saying it would hurt local companies and curtail First Amendment rights. They said the signs help direct motorists to local businesses and provide valuable information.

"Clearly, this bill is our death sentence,” said Mike Hylandsson with Schubert and Hoey Outdoor Advertising of Minneapolis. “But what's worse is the negative impact for all the small businesses who we serve."

Several Republicans are against the bill. Sen. Robert Farnsworth, R-Hibbing, facetiously tried to amend the moratorium to include wind turbines.

“If we're really going to start banning things that some people think are ugly, then we’ve got to go all the way with this,” Farnsworth said. 

The committee didn’t take action on Marty’s bill, but laid it over for future consideration.

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Sen. John Marty, DFL-Roseville, said the signs detract from the state's natural scenic beauty and pose a safety concern for motorists. Billboard companies say the bill would hurt local businesses and curtail First Amendment rights.

Minnesota lawmaker wants statewide ban on new billboard signs

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