SB 3501

Abstract

Creates the Responsible Outdoor Lighting Control Act. Includes legislative findings. Defines terms. Provides that all new, renovated, or retrofitted luminaires purchased with State funds after the effective date of the Act or installed after the effective date of the Act on a structure or land that is owned, supported, funded, leased, or managed by the State must follow specified outdoor lighting control requirements. Includes various exceptions to compliance. Allows the Attorney General, a municipality, or a county to enforce the Act by filing an action for injunctive relief in a circuit court. Provides that the Department of Central Management Services shall make available a resource guide for the public to add lighting to homes and businesses consistent with the requirements for luminaires on a structure or land that is owned, supported, funded, leased, or managed by the State under the Act, and provides that the guide must include references to publicly accessible websites of advocacy groups approved by the State that provide education, guidance, and specifications relating to the implementation of responsible lighting principles. Provides that, if the Act conflicts with any other federal law, State law, or local ordinance controlling lighting, outdoor luminaries, signage, outdoor advertising, displays, or devices that is more stringent than the Act, then the federal law, State law, or local ordinance controls to the extent it is more stringent than the Act. Effective 60 days after becoming law. Senate Committee Amendment No. 3 Replaces everything after the enacting clause with the provisions of the introduced bill with the following changes. Provides that all new luminaires (rather than all new, renovated, or retrofitted luminaires) purchased with State funds after the effective date of the Act or installed after the effective date of the Act on a structure or land that is owned, leased, or managed by the Department of Natural Resources (rather than owned, supported, funded, leased, or managed by the State) must follow specified outdoor lighting control requirements. Changes the specified outdoor lighting control requirements. Removes a requirement that luminaires must be turned off or dimmed under certain conditions. Removes a provision that allows for the use of outdoor luminaires emitting fewer than 600 lumens if extinguished between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and sunrise. Removes all provisions regarding enforcement by filing an action for injunctive relief in a circuit court. Removes provisions regarding the Department of Central Management Services making available a resource guide for the public. Changes a technical term. Effective January 1, 2025. Senate Floor Amendment No. 4 In a provision regarding outdoor lighting control, provides that all new luminaires purchased with State funds or installed on a structure or land owned and managed (rather than owned, leased, or managed) by the Department of Natural Resources with the intended purpose of outdoor illumination must follow certain outdoor lighting control requirements.