Bill
Bill > A3338
NJ A3338
NJ A3338Requires municipalities, public utilities, and State to use LED technology in certain street lights.
summary
Introduced
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026-2027 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill would require municipalities, public utilities, and the State to install a street light or, when an outage of a bulb occurs, replace a street light owned by the municipality, public utility or State with LED, or light-emitting diode, technology. Municipalities would be required to install or replace each street light as the municipal budget permits. Public utilities would recover the cost of installing or replacing these street lights through the societal benefits charge. Under the bill, a street light may only be installed or a bulb replaced if: (1) the street light being installed, or the replacement bulb, uses LED technology; (2) the minimum illuminance adequate for the intended purpose of the street light is used with consideration given to nationally recognized standards; (3) for lighting of a designated highway of the State highway system, the Department of Transportation determines that the purpose of the street light cannot be achieved by the installation of reflective road markers, lines, warning or informational signs, or other effective passive methods; and (4) full consideration has been given to energy conservation, reducing glare, minimizing light pollution, and preserving the natural night environment. Under the bill, municipalities, public utilities, and the State would not be required to install or replace a street light if: (1) the street light is used on a temporary basis because emergency personnel require it; (2) the street light is used on a temporary basis for nighttime work; (3) the street light is used for a special event or situation; (4) a compelling safety interest exists; (5) a federal law supersedes or is inconsistent with the bill; or (6) the street light is used on a historic property.
AI Summary
This bill mandates that municipalities, public utilities, and the State must replace existing street lights or install new ones using LED (light-emitting diode) technology, which is a more energy-efficient and longer-lasting type of light source. Municipalities are required to make these upgrades as their budgets allow, while public utilities will recoup their costs through a "societal benefits charge," a fee added to customer bills to fund various public programs. The bill specifies that new or replacement street lights must use LED technology, provide adequate illumination based on national standards, and for state highways, the Department of Transportation must confirm that passive methods like reflective markers or signs are insufficient. Furthermore, all installations must consider energy conservation, reducing glare and light pollution, and preserving the natural night environment. However, these requirements do not apply in certain situations, such as temporary lighting for emergencies or nighttime work, special events, compelling safety needs, conflicts with federal law, or when lighting historic properties.
Committee Categories
Agriculture and Natural Resources
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Environment and Solid Waste Committee (on 01/13/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/A3338 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/A3500/3338_I1.HTM |
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