SRC-JJJ H.B. 916 76(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 916
By: Gallego (Shapleigh)
State Affairs
5/14/1999
Engrossed


DIGEST 

Currently, outdoor lighting is intended to illuminate a specific place on
the ground, such as a curve in the road, a parking lot, or a sidewalk.
However, in addition to these specific targets, fixtures can illuminate the
entire sphere of space around them. This effect can create a safety hazard
by sending light directly into the eyes of drivers and pedestrians. It may
also, raise state utility costs, and negatively impact the natural night
environment.  H.B. 916 serves three functions: it reduces state utility
costs by introducing conservation measures for outdoor lighting, preserves
the natural night environment by reducing light pollution, and by
installing a shield in the lighting fixtures, it reduces the glare for
drivers and pedestrians. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, H.B. 916 establishes conditions regarding the regulation of
outdoor lighting at statefunded entities. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, institution, or agency. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  Amends Title 5E, Health and Safety Code, by adding Chapter 421,
as follows: 

CHAPTER 421.  REGULATION OF CERTAIN OUTDOOR LIGHTING

Sec. 421.001.  DEFINITIONS.  Defines "cutoff luminaire," "light pollution,"
"outdoor lighting fixture," and "state funds." 

Sec. 421.002.  STANDARDS FOR STATE-FUNDED OUTDOOR LIGHTING FIXTURES. Sets
forth provisions by which an outdoor lighting fixture may be installed,
replaced, maintained, or operated using state funds.  Defines "energy
conservation." Provides that Subsection (a) does not apply if certain
conditions exist.  Provides that  certain special events or situations may
require additional illumination.  Requires illumination for special events
or situations to be installed to shield the outdoor lighting fixtures from
direct view and to minimize upward lighting and light pollution. 

SECTION 2.  Amends the heading to Title 5E, Health and Safety Code, as
follows: 

SUBTITLE E.  New heading:  LIGHT POLLUTION.

SECTION 3.  Effective date: September 1, 1999.
  Makes application of this Act prospective.

SECTION 4.  Emergency clause.