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LD 567

An Act To Designate The 2Nd Week Of May As Dark Sky Week

132nd Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Lynn Copeland and 6 co-sponsors

Designates the second full week of May (and, by amendment, September) as Dark Sky Week to promote awareness of light pollution through educational and public events, with no new re

Became Law without Governor's Signature
#darkskyweek #statecommemorations #stategovernment
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Bill Summary · LD 567

Summary — LD 567: "An Act To Designate The 2nd Week Of May As Dark Sky Week"

Purpose

LD 567 is a commemorative state law that establishes "Dark Sky Week" as a recognized observance in Maine. The intent is to promote awareness of light pollution and encourage activities that highlight dark skies (e.g., public education, stargazing events, or local observances).

Key provisions

  • Designates the 2nd full week of May as Dark Sky Week.
  • By committee amendment (C "A" / S‑54) the enacted version also designates the 2nd full week of September as Dark Sky Week.
  • The designation is ceremonial/observational: the law creates a state commemoration but does not create regulatory requirements, new enforcement mechanisms, or authorized appropriations.

Who is affected

  • State government: minor administrative responsibilities related to acknowledging or publicizing the observance (e.g., communications, proclamations).
  • Local governments, schools, non‑profits, astronomy and environmental groups, and the general public: may plan and host educational or recreational events during the designated weeks.
  • No changes to permitting, land use, or statutory regulatory duties are created by the law.

Fiscal impact

  • Fiscal notes (preliminary and final) indicate a minor General Fund cost increase that can be absorbed within existing budgeted resources.
    • Preliminary fiscal note (02/28/2025) for original bill: minor cost increase.
    • Subsequent fiscal notes (04/25/2025 and 05/14/2025) for amendment/engrossed versions (including September week): minor cost increases, absorbable within current budgets.

Legislative history & timeline

  • Introduced: Feb 19, 2025 by Sen. Guerin of Penobscot; referred to the Committee on State and Local Government.
  • Committee action: Reported Out as Ought to Pass as Amended (OTP‑AM); Committee Amendment "A" (S‑54) adopted to add the September week.
  • Floor action: Passed to be Engrossed and then Passed to be Enacted (concurrence) in May 2025.
  • Enacted: Became law without the Governor’s signature on June 3, 2025.

Notes / Practical effect

  • The law is primarily symbolic and intended to encourage public awareness about preserving dark night skies and reducing light pollution. It does not appropriate funds or impose new mandates. Agencies or organizations wishing to mark Dark Sky Week would do so through existing outreach and event resources.

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

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