The bill revises 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. The bill mandates that outdoor lighting fixtures installed after July 1, 2025, and 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. Additionally, outdoor recreational facilities are restricted from illumination after 11:00 p.m., except during specific events.

The bill also 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. Furthermore, it repeals Section 74-12-2 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