This bill is designed to clarify and streamline the processes for acquiring outdoor advertising rights and establish clearer guidelines for compensating owners of advertising devices. Importantly, it emphasizes that outdoor advertising is regarded as a trade fixture, thereby protecting the rights of advertising owners while also granting the DOT the ability to remove noncompliant advertisements deemed as public nuisances. Such laws aim to enhance the regulatory framework surrounding outdoor advertising, which is crucial for maintaining the aesthetics and safety of state roadways.
Summary
Senate Bill 326 focuses on outdoor advertising regulations in Oklahoma, specifically amending existing laws related to the acquisition and compensation surrounding outdoor advertising devices. The bill updates statutory language, integrating provisions that align with the operational practices of the Department of Transportation (DOT) regarding outdoor signage. It gives DOT the authority to acquire outdoor advertising devices through agreement or condemnation when necessary, ensuring just compensation is based on fair market value.
Contention
One notable area of contention includes the implications of the bill on local ordinances regarding outdoor advertising, particularly concerning how the definition of public nuisance may be interpreted. Some opponents may argue that the bill could lead to an overreach by state authorities, undermining local governance and specific regulatory needs that address unique community concerns. Discussions will likely revolve around the balance between state authority and local autonomy in regulating outdoor advertising effectively.
Effective_date
The bill is set to become effective on November 1, 2023, further emphasizing the immediacy of revising current laws to better facilitate the state's management of outdoor advertising.