AR HB1923

Creates the Outdoor Lighting Act (Arkansas Code Title 8, Chapter 16) to modernize outdoor lighting systems and promote safety, energy conservation, and preservation of the natural nighttime environment.

Requires state agencies, public corporations, counties, and municipalities using public funds to install new or replacement lighting systems to meet standards including BUG Rating System Uplight rating of U0 or U1, color-corrected temperatures of 4,000 kelvin or less for major highways and 3,000 kelvin or less for other areas, and illuminance levels that do not materially exceed Illuminating Engineering Society guidelines.

Mandates electric utilities provide residential area lighting with BUG Rating System Uplight rating of U0 or U1 and color-corrected temperature of 3,000 kelvin or less unless the property owner requests different lighting.

Repeals the Shielded Outdoor Lighting Act (Arkansas Code Title 8, Chapter 14) which previously required outdoor lighting fixtures to be shielded and set forth exemptions and penalties.

Becomes effective January 1, 2023.