HB 1711 Summary

• Renames the "Shielded Outdoor Lighting Act" to the "Arkansas Nighttime Environment Protection Act" and expands its scope to address light pollution, energy conservation, and protection of the nighttime environment.

• Requires state agencies, counties, and municipalities to use fully shielded fixtures (when output exceeds 1,800 lumens) for new or replacement permanent outdoor lighting and mandates compliance with energy conservation and illuminance standards.

• Establishes regulations for roadway, commercial, parking lot, and security lighting with shielding requirements, glare minimization standards, and prohibits new mercury vapor fixtures; existing signage must comply by September 1, 2021.

• Makes unreasonable light trespass unlawful and grants the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality authority to handle light trespass complaints based on fixture purpose, severity of effects, property use, and mitigation measures.

• Imposes penalties of a warning for first offense and fines of $25 (minus replacement cost) for subsequent offenses or violations continuing 30+ days; chapter becomes effective September 1, 2011.