The bill amends the Night Sky Protection Act to enhance the requirements for shielding outdoor light fixtures and introduces new exemptions. Key changes include the definition of "fully shielded" fixtures, which must emit no more than five percent of light above a specified horizontal plane, and the introduction of the term "lumen" to quantify light output. Additionally, outdoor lighting fixtures installed after July 1, 2025, that are mounted more than four feet above the ground must be fully shielded, while those mounted lower and emitting over one thousand lumens cannot direct light toward the sky. The bill also specifies that outdoor recreational facilities cannot be illuminated after 11:00 p.m., except for certain events.

Furthermore, the bill adds exemptions for roadway navigation and safety signs on interstates and federal highways, as well as temporary outdoor lighting for construction, emergency services, or film production. It removes the previous exemption for outdoor fixtures with automatic shut-off devices and certain advertisement signs. The bill also repeals a section of the existing law, streamlining the regulations surrounding outdoor lighting and light pollution.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 74-12-3, 74-12-4, 74-12-5, 74-12-7, 74-12-2