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HB 1955

$CRIM JUSTICE INFO-TECH

104th Regular Session Introduced by Tony McCombie

House Bill 1955 aimed to repeal regulations on outdoor lighting, removing shielded fixture requirements, potentially increasing light pollution and energy waste in Arkansas.

Rule 19(b) / Re-referred to Rules Committee
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Bill Summary · HB 1955

Summary of House Bill 1955: Repeal of the Shielded Outdoor Lighting Act

Bill Overview

  • Bill Number: HB 1955
  • Title: To Repeal the Shielded Outdoor Lighting Act
  • Status: Died in Senate Committee at Sine Die adjournment
  • Introduced: April 1, 2025
  • Classification: Legislative Bill

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1955 aimed to repeal the Shielded Outdoor Lighting Act, which was originally established to regulate outdoor lighting fixtures in order to conserve energy and protect the environment. The intent behind the repeal was to eliminate the existing regulations governing the use of shielded outdoor lighting fixtures.

Key Provisions

The bill proposed the following significant changes:

  1. Repeal of Existing Law:

    • The entire Chapter 14 of the Arkansas Code, which encompasses the Shielded Outdoor Lighting Act, would be repealed. This includes all definitions, prohibitions, exemptions, penalties, and enforcement mechanisms related to outdoor lighting fixtures.

  2. Removal of Regulations:

    • The repeal would eliminate requirements for outdoor lighting fixtures to be shielded, which currently mandates that light rays must be directed below a horizontal plane to reduce light pollution and energy waste.

  3. Impact on Public Funds:

    • The existing law prohibits the use of public funds for non-shielded outdoor lighting fixtures unless specific conditions are met. Repealing the act would remove these restrictions.

  4. Penalties and Enforcement:

    • The bill would also remove penalties for violations of the Shielded Outdoor Lighting Act, which currently include warnings and fines for non-compliance.

Affected Parties

The repeal of the Shielded Outdoor Lighting Act would impact various stakeholders, including:

  • Municipalities and Counties: Local governments would no longer be bound by the regulations concerning outdoor lighting, potentially leading to increased flexibility in lighting choices but also a potential rise in light pollution.
  • Public Utilities: Electric public utilities would no longer be required to offer shielded lighting service options or inform customers about their availability.
  • Environmental Groups: Organizations focused on energy conservation and environmental protection may oppose the repeal due to concerns about increased light pollution and energy waste.

Legislative Timeline

  • April 1, 2025: Bill filed.
  • April 2, 2025: Read for the first time and referred to the Committee on Insurance & Commerce.
  • April 10, 2025: Amendment No. 1 adopted, and the bill was engrossed.
  • April 14, 2025: Passed by the House and transmitted to the Senate.
  • May 5, 2025: Bill died in Senate Committee at Sine Die adjournment.

Conclusion

House Bill 1955 sought to repeal the Shielded Outdoor Lighting Act, removing regulations that aimed to control outdoor lighting for energy conservation and environmental protection. The bill's failure to advance in the Senate means that the existing regulations remain in place, maintaining the current standards for outdoor lighting fixtures in Arkansas.

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

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