Bill > HB571

This bill establishes new regulations for outdoor lighting owned or maintained by the Transportation Cabinet (referred to as "the cabinet") to address light pollution affecting agricultural land. It defines "agricultural land" as at least ten contiguous acres used for producing livestock, crops, or timber, or land used for government agriculture programs. "Fully shielded" means a light fixture is designed so that its light does not shine onto agricultural land. The bill prohibits light from cabinet-owned outdoor light fixtures from encroaching on agricultural land. Any new outdoor light fixtures installed after the bill becomes law must be fully shielded if they would otherwise shine on agricultural land. If existing lights are found to be encroaching, landowners can file a written complaint, and the cabinet must fully shield the fixture within 30 days. This requirement does not apply to temporary lighting used for highway construction or maintenance, as long as it's for no more than 180 days and turned off when not in use. The bill also declares an emergency, meaning it takes effect immediately upon approval, to quickly protect agricultural land and farmers from potential crop damage due to light pollution.