The Arkansas Nighttime Environment Protection Act aims to regulate outdoor lighting systems to enhance safety, conserve energy, save taxpayer dollars, and protect the state's natural nighttime environment. The Act includes findings that highlight the negative impacts of excessive street lighting, such as light pollution affecting human and animal circadian rhythms and potential health risks. It establishes standards for outdoor lighting fixtures, emphasizing the use of full cutoff fixtures to minimize light pollution and glare, and sets guidelines for illuminance levels based on recommendations from recognized organizations.

This legislation also repeals the existing Shielded Outdoor Lighting Act, which previously regulated outdoor lighting fixtures. The new Act introduces definitions for key terms related to lighting systems and outlines enforcement mechanisms, allowing municipalities to seek court relief for violations. Additionally, it provides exemptions for specific lighting requirements, such as those for sports facilities and correctional institutions, while allowing public utilities to recover compliance costs through an interim surcharge. Overall, the Act represents a comprehensive approach to managing outdoor lighting in Arkansas.