HB1608 Summary

• Establishes the Public Entity Streetlight System Investment Act to allow municipalities, counties, and the state to purchase streetlight fixtures from electric utilities after conducting a cost impact study and providing 60 days' notice.

• Electric utilities must compensate public entities for purchased fixtures at original cost less depreciation, amortization, and salvage value, and must file alternative tariff rates with the Arkansas Public Service Commission within 60 days that eliminate facility and maintenance charges.

• Public entities installing new or replacement fixtures must ensure they are fully shielded, comply with Illuminating Engineering Society guidelines for light levels, minimize glare and light pollution, and have a color temperature not exceeding 3,000 Kelvin unless industry standards require otherwise.

• Public entities assuming pole space rights must maintain universal access for electric and other services, and if electric utilities refuse to sell fixtures, they must coordinate removal at no cost to the public entity.

• Public entities providing or contracting for streetlight maintenance must require appropriate personnel training and certification, evidence of 24-hour call capacity, and committed response schedules for emergency and routine outages.