4/2/04-A bill that would offer drivers on state roads a clearer view – of billboards – has died.
AB748 remained in the Assembly Rules Committee at the close of the legislative session that ended in March.
The bill sought to permit billboard owners to knock down or trim trees and shrubs in public rights-of-way that obstruct a full six-second view of their ads.
Currently, a billboard or sign owner can ask the Wisconsin Department of Transportation to have trees or brush that are blocking their sign trimmed.
Under the proposal, billboard owners would need a WisDOT permit and would be responsible for the cost to trim obstructing trees and shrubs, and for planting comparable replacement vegetation.
The agency would recover the costs to issue permits and administer the program by charging permit fees estimated at $1,760 each.
The law would apply only to billboards along state-controlled highways.

3/10/04-A bill sponsored by Rep. David Ward, R-Fort Atkinson, would offer drivers on state roads a clearer view – of billboards.
The bill would let permitted billboard owners knock down or trim trees and shrubs in public rights-of-way that obstruct a full six-second view of their ads.
Currently, a billboard or sign owner can ask the Wisconsin Department of Transportation to have trees or brush that are blocking their sign trimmed.
Under AB748, billboard owners would need a WisDOT permit and would be responsible for the cost to trim obstructing trees and shrubs, and for planting comparable replacement vegetation.
The agency would recover the costs to issue permits and administer the program by charging permit fees estimated at $1,760 each.
The law would apply only to billboards along state-controlled highways.
AB748 is before the Assembly Committee on Transportation. An identical bill – SB390 – is in the Senate Committee on Transportation and Information Infrastructure.
For bill status, call (608) 266-1803. In Wisconsin, call 1-800-362-9472.