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SB 3037

DARK SKY ACT

104th Regular Session Introduced by Marti Deuter and 6 co-sponsors

Illinois Dark Sky Act establishes statewide outdoor lighting standards to reduce light pollution's effects on ecosystems, human health, and astronomy observation.

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Bill Summary · SB 3037

Legislative bill overview

SB 3037, the DARK SKY ACT, is a recently introduced Illinois bill sponsored by Senator Laura Ellman. The bill was filed on January 29, 2026, and is currently in the early stages of the legislative process, having been referred to Assignments committee following its first reading. Specific provisions are not yet publicly detailed in available records.

Why is this important

Light pollution from artificial lighting affects ecosystems, human health, and astronomical observation. Dark sky legislation typically addresses outdoor lighting standards to reduce unnecessary illumination, which can impact energy consumption, wildlife behavior, and public health. Illinois legislation in this area would establish statewide standards relevant to municipalities and private property owners.

Potential points of contention

  • Implementation costs: Businesses and property owners may face expenses retrofitting or replacing lighting systems to comply with new standards
  • Local government autonomy: State-mandated lighting regulations could conflict with municipal preferences or existing local ordinances
  • Definition and enforcement: Determining what constitutes excessive light pollution and how violations will be monitored and penalized remains unclear without seeing the bill text

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

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