MS HB202

Prohibits outdoor advertising promoting beer, light wine, alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, or fast food in areas with high crime rates, underperforming schools, or low owner-occupied housing rates, as determined by respective state departments.

Prohibits outdoor advertising for alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, or fast food within 500 feet of playgrounds, elementary or secondary schools, places of worship, or child care facilities.

Allows counties or municipalities to grant exemptions to the 500-foot restriction if applicants demonstrate the restriction denies them reasonable opportunity to reach adult consumers, considering alternative locations, advertising costs, product familiarity, and local ordinances.

Permits counties or municipalities to require a permit and reasonable fee for any exemption granted under this section.

Exempts public service announcements warning of hazards or discouraging minors from consuming these products, but prohibits such messages paired with brand names or marketing imagery.

Effective July 1, 2012.