HB1003 Summary: Arkansas Nighttime Environment Protection Act

• Renames the "Shielded Outdoor Lighting Act" to the "Arkansas Nighttime Environment Protection Act" and expands its scope to address light pollution's effects on human health, animal populations, and astronomical observation

• Requires state agencies, counties, and municipalities to use fully shielded outdoor fixtures exceeding 1,800 lumens for new or replacement permanent outdoor lighting, with exemptions for excessive costs, emergency situations, and certain facilities

• Establishes requirements for commercial signage and electronic message centers within one-half mile of highways, including dimming sensors, brightness limits not exceeding 0.3 footcandles above ambient light, and message display minimums of 4 seconds

• Prohibits light trespass (defined as light exceeding 50 footcandles on neighboring property) for lamps exceeding 1,800 lumens, with enforcement through local code agencies and the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality

• Effective October 1, 2015; violations are punishable by a warning for first offense and fines of $25.00 minus replacement cost for subsequent offenses or violations continuing 30+ days