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HB1955

To Repeal The Shielded Outdoor Lighting Act.

Failed

Last Action (May 5, 2025): Died in Senate Committee at Sine Die adjournment.

Sponsors

AI-Generated Summary

House Bill 1955 seeks to repeal the Shielded Outdoor Lighting Act in its entirety, which is currently codified under Title 8, Chapter 14 of the Arkansas Code. The existing Act mandates that public funds be used only for the installation of shielded outdoor lighting fixtures, with certain exemptions, to promote energy conservation and light pollution reduction. The Act also requires electric public utilities to offer shielded lighting service options to customers and provides rules regarding the disposal of mercury-containing lighting devices. By repealing this chapter, the bill would eliminate these state-level requirements and the associated administrative and regulatory oversight. Consequently, local governments and utility providers would no longer be bound by these state mandates regarding outdoor lighting standards.

Potential Impact Analysis

Who Might Benefit?

The primary beneficiaries of this bill would be local government entities, municipalities, and utility companies that would be relieved of the administrative costs, procurement restrictions, and reporting requirements associated with installing and maintaining shielded outdoor lighting. Developers and property owners who prefer greater flexibility in selecting lighting equipment without state-mandated shielding specifications may also benefit from reduced compliance costs.

Who Might Suffer?

The groups most negatively impacted include environmental advocacy organizations and individuals who support light pollution mitigation, as the repeal removes a statewide standard for preserving the night sky. Additionally, citizens who benefit from reduced glare and energy-efficient lighting practices may be affected if local authorities or utility providers choose to transition to less efficient or more intrusive lighting options that were previously restricted by the Act.

Vote Records

Third Reading

April 14, 2025
Yea: 79 Nay: 11 NV: 10 Absent: 0 Passed
View individual votes (100)
Legislator Party Chamber Vote
Tracy Steele Democrat House Yea
Fred Allen Democrat House Yea
Lane Jean Republican House NV
Stephen Meeks Republican House Yea
Mark Perry Democrat House Yea
Jon Eubanks Republican House Yea
Matthew Shepherd Republican House Yea
Jeff Wardlaw Republican House Yea
Bruce Cozart Republican House Yea
David Whitaker Democrat House Yea
Mike Holcomb Republican House Yea
Stephen Magie Democrat House Yea
Mark McElroy Republican House Yea
Richard Womack Republican House Yea
Jack Ladyman Republican House Yea
Robin Lundstrum Republican House Yea
Dwight Tosh Republican House Yea
Rick Beck Republican House Yea
Mary Bentley Republican House Yea
Les Eaves Republican House Yea
Justin Gonzales Republican House Yea
Julie Mayberry Republican House Yea
Ken Ferguson Democrat House Yea
Ron Mcnair Republican House Yea
Marcus Richmond Republican House Yea
Deann Vaught Republican House Nay
Karilyn Brown Republican House NV
Sonia Eubanks Barker Republican House Yea
Frances Cavenaugh Republican House Nay
Jimmie Gazaway Republican House Yea
Roger Lynch Republican House Yea
John Maddox Republican House Yea
Aaron Pilkington Republican House Yea
Johnny Rye Republican House Yea
Les Warren Republican House Yea
Carlton Wing Republican House Yea
Austin Mccollum Republican House NV
Carol Dalby Republican House Yea
Steve Hollowell Republican House Yea
Brian Evans Republican House Yea
Lee Johnson Republican House Yea
Andrew Collins Democrat House Yea
Stan Berry Republican House NV
Harlan Breaux Republican House Yea
Cameron Cooper Republican House NV
Nicole Clowney Democrat House Yea
Cindy Crawford Republican House Yea
Denise Garner Democrat House Yea
Tippi McCullough Democrat House Yea
Jay Richardson Democrat House Yea
Jim Wooten Republican House Yea
Denise Ennett Democrat House Yea
Richard McGrew Republican House Yea
Joy Springer Democrat House Yea
Howard Beaty Republican House Yea
Tony Furman Republican House Yea
Kendon Underwood Republican House Yea
David Ray Republican House NV
John Carr Republican House Yea
Rick McClure Republican House Nay
Keith Brooks Republican House Yea
Ashley Hudson Democrat House Yea
Jon Milligan Republican House Yea
RJ Hawk Republican House Yea
Wade Andrews Republican House Nay
Rebecca Burkes Republican House Yea
Hope Duke Republican House Nay
Zack Gramlich Republican House Yea
Mindy McAlindon Republican House Yea
Matt Duffield Republican House NV
Stetson Painter Republican House Nay
Steve Unger Republican House Yea
Wayne Long Republican House NV
Scott Richardson Republican House Nay
Brandon Achor Republican House Yea
Jeremiah Moore Republican House Yea
Joey Carr Republican House Yea
Matt Brown Republican House Yea
Shad Pearce Republican House Yea
Chad Puryear Republican House Yea
Ryan Rose Republican House Yea
Bart Schulz Republican House Nay
Trey Steimel Republican House Nay
Tara Shephard Democrat House NV
Jeremy Wooldridge Republican House Nay
Kendra Moore Republican House NV
Brit McKenzie Republican House Nay
Steven Walker Republican House Yea
Glenn Barnes Democrat House Yea
Lincoln Barnett Democrat House Yea
Alyssa Brown Republican House Yea
Nick Burkes Republican House Yea
Paul Childress Republican House Yea
James Eaton Republican House Yea
Brad Hall Republican House Yea
Dolly Henley Republican House Yea
Jessie McGruder Democrat House Yea
Jason Nazarenko Republican House Yea
Randy Torres Republican House Yea
Diana Gonzales Worthen Democrat House Yea
Read Full Bill on arkleg.state.ar.us