An Act relative to billboard advertising in the Commonwealth

HD 1065 transfers authority over outdoor billboard advertising from the outdoor advertising board to the state Department of Conservation and Recreation. It requires local approval for billboards within 500 feet of public parks/reservations or if they obstruct views of nationally registered historic sites. The bill also explicitly allows the department to sell, lease, or contract for advertising space on its facilities. These provisions directly affect billboard advertisers, local governments (through approval requirements), and the state department managing outdoor advertising rules. The key changes take effect from November 1, 2009, and align billboard regulations with local zoning rules.