Relative to billboard advertising in the Commonwealth

The bill allows the Massachusetts Department of Transportation to sell or lease advertising space on its facilities, and it transfers the powers of the outdoor advertising board to it. Additionally, it mandates that new billboards cannot be placed within 500 feet of public parks or locations on the national register of historic places without local approval. It also subjects outdoor advertisements to local zoning requirements.

MA H403 is a house bill in the Massachusetts 194th General Court, sponsored by Daniel Hunt (D), currently “Introduced” since February 27, 2025.

We track 6,656 Massachusetts bills this session, 26 of them sponsored by Daniel Hunt.

Supporters of the bill might argue that it provides the Massachusetts Department of Transportation with new revenue opportunities through advertising. The bill also ensures community control over the placement of billboards near valued public spaces and historic locations. By involving local zoning, it promotes responsible advertising practices and protects community aesthetics.

Critics of the bill might say that it opens the door for increased commercialization of public spaces, potentially cluttering and detracting from their natural beauty. There could be concerns that despite local approval mechanisms, the increased presence of advertisements may overwhelm communities and disrupt the character of historic sites. The bill might also be viewed as prioritizing revenue over preservation.