AR HB1956

Creates the Arkansas Nighttime Environment Protection Act requiring state agencies, counties, municipalities, and investor-owned utilities to use "full cutoff" fixtures (limiting upward light emissions to 2%) for all new or replacement street and parking lot lighting systems rated at 1,800 lumens or more

Mandates color temperature limits of 3,000 Kelvin or less for residential areas and 4,000 Kelvin or less for all other areas, with illumination levels not exceeding Illuminating Engineering Society guidelines as of January 1, 2025

Cites American Medical Association resolutions from 2009 and 2016 linking light pollution to disrupted circadian rhythms, suppressed melatonin production, depressed immune systems, and increased cancer rates as legislative justification

Exempts sports facilities, historic/decorative lighting, monuments, correctional and mental health facilities, and projects where governing bodies determine compliance would create excessive costs for safety needs

Permits public utilities to recover compliance costs through an interim surcharge approved by the Arkansas Public Service Commission until expenses can be included in their next general rate case