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LD 1628

An Act To Allow Municipalities To Regulate Exterior Lights

132nd Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Jeff Adams and 8 co-sponsors

Gives Maine municipalities the power to regulate exterior lighting through local ordinances, reducing light pollution and guiding development.

Pursuant to Joint Rule 310.3 Placed in Legislative Files (DEAD)
#environmentalawareness #outdoorlighting #planning
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · LD 1628

Summary of LD 1628: An Act To Allow Municipalities To Regulate Exterior Lights

Overview

LD 1628, introduced on April 11, 2025, is titled “An Act To Allow Municipalities To Regulate Exterior Lights.” The bill would have empowered Maine municipalities to regulate exterior lighting within their jurisdictions. It belongs to the environmental awareness, outdoor lighting, and planning subject area. The sponsor is Rep. Quint of Hodgdon (LR 2193(01)).

Purpose and Intent

  • To authorize municipalities to adopt local ordinances governing exterior lighting.
  • Aimed at addressing issues related to light pollution, energy use, and planning considerations by enabling local controls over outdoor lighting.

Key Provisions (as introduced)

  • The bill would authorize municipalities to regulate exterior lighting through local ordinances.
  • Specific standards and scope would be determined by each municipality via its own ordinances (the exact provisions are not detailed in the available summary).
  • The measure is intended to complement local land-use and environmental planning efforts by giving towns and cities a tool to address exterior lighting.

Note: The available documents do not detail exact regulatory requirements (e.g., intensity limits, shielding requirements, hours of operation, or exemptions). The text would have defined the particular standards chosen by local governments.

Affected Parties

  • Municipal governments and planning boards (local policymakers would implement lighting regulations).
  • Property owners, developers, and businesses subject to local exterior lighting standards.
  • General public, particularly residents affected by outdoor lighting practices and skyglow.

Fiscal Impact

  • Preliminary Fiscal Impact Statement indicates “No fiscal impact.”
  • The fiscal note (LR2193(01)) shows no expected cost to state government or municipalities from implementing the bill’s proposals, per the prepared assessment on April 18, 2025.

Procedural History and Status

  • Introduced: April 11, 2025.
  • Referred to: Committee on State and Local Government.
  • Work Session: May 19, 2025.
  • Voted ONTP (Ought Not To Pass): May 19, 2025.
  • Reported Out: May 28, 2025 (ONTP).
  • Placed in Legislative Files (DEAD) under Joint Rule 310.3: May 29, 2025.
  • Status: Dead for the legislative session; no further action anticipated unless reintroduced.

Notes

  • The bill reflects a policy approach favoring local control over exterior lighting rather than statewide standards.
  • As introduced, it would have created a framework for municipalities to regulate lighting, with specifics left to local enactments.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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