HB 1568 Summary: Arkansas Nighttime Environment Protection Act

• Renames and expands the "Shielded Outdoor Lighting Act" to the "Arkansas Nighttime Environment Protection Act" to regulate outdoor lighting and reduce light pollution, glare, and light trespass.

• Requires state agencies, counties, and municipalities using public funds for new or replacement outdoor lighting fixtures over 1,800 lumens to install fully shielded fixtures that meet Illuminating Engineering Society standards and minimize energy waste and light pollution.

• Prohibits installation of mercury vapor fixtures by government agencies and utilities; requires electric utilities to offer shielded lighting service options and submit outdoor lighting fee schedules to the Public Service Commission every three years.

• Establishes exemptions for federal law requirements, temporary emergencies, worker safety, airports, navigational systems, sports facilities, historic monuments, and existing fixtures; allows waiver requests for safety, security, or excessive cost concerns.

• Creates violation penalties: first offense results in warning; second offense or violations continuing 30+ days result in fines of $25 minus replacement cost per fixture; violations continuing 60+ days result in $25 per fixture per month; effective October 1, 2013.