Ellman’s Dark Sky Act clears both Illinois House and Senate

Legislation from State Sen. Laura Ellman targeting a reduction in light pollution and increased protection for sensitive habitats by enforcing stricter outdoor lighting norms has passed both legislative chambers, according to the Illinois General Assembly.

During voting in the House, 74 Democrats and 1 Republican supported the bill, with 36 Republicans voting against it.

In the Senate, 38 Democrats and 16 Republicans cast votes in favor.

Sen. Ellman introduced this measure in the Illinois Senate on Jan. 29, 2026, at the start of the 104th session.

The measure, named SB3037, received passage on May 31, 2026, in general assembly session 104.

The Illinois General Assembly website provides the legislative summary as follows: "Amends the Responsible Outdoor Lighting Control Act. Changes the short title of the Act to the Dark Sky Act. Provides that, beginning December 1, 2026, except for any lighting that a State agency has installed or is using on the effective date of the amendatory Act, all new or renovated luminaires that are purchased or rented with State funds for the purpose of outdoor illumination and any lighting that is installed on land or easements owned, leased, or managed by the State for the purpose of outdoor illumination, including, but not limited to, on roadways, facilities, properties, nonhabitable structures, monuments, and public right-of-way spaces shall comply with specified responsible outdoor lighting requirements. Makes exceptions to the requirements. Provides that a State agency may send a request to the Department of Central Management Services to seek an exemption when planning to install, purchase, or rent lighting under one or more of the listed exceptions to the requirements in the Act. Requires the Department of Central Management Services, within 30 days of receipt, to (i) grant the exemption by memorandum, (ii) deny the exemption by memorandum, or (iii) grant the exemption by failing to issue a memorandum. Makes conforming changes to provisions that apply to the Department of Natural Resources. Changes a definition. Makes technical changes. Effective immediately."

The following breakdown, based on the actual bill text, provides further clarification.

Essentially, this act renames the Responsible Outdoor Lighting Control Act to the Dark Sky Act and, once enacted, expands state standards to minimize light pollution and safeguard sensitive environments. Starting Dec. 1, 2026, nearly all newly purchased or upgraded outdoor fixtures using state funds or installed on state-administered land must adhere to limits on luminance, glare, color temperature, and reduce unnecessary nighttime lighting. These rules tighten requirements for areas close to protected habitats, specify mandates for sports lighting, and continue to recognize more rigorous federal, state or local guidelines. Exemptions address safety needs, emergencies, historic fixtures, as well as temporary or seasonal lighting, with the Department of Central Management Services responsible for ruling on exemption applications from state agencies within 30 days.

House sponsors for the bill included Rep. Janet Yang Rohr (Democrat-41st District), Rep. Laura Faver Dias (Democrat-62nd District), Rep. Martha Deuter (Democrat-45th District), along with three additional sponsors.

Bills in Illinois undergo a multi-step legislative process that starts with their introduction in either chamber, proceeds to committee and floor debates, votes in the House and Senate, and finally reaches the governor. The General Assembly runs on a biennial basis, and though thousands of bills can be submitted each session, only a limited number are enacted.

Read more about legislation and additional measures here.

Ellman earned a BS from Grinnell College in 1987.

A Democrat, Ellman was elected to represent Illinois' 21st Senate District in 2019, following Michael Connelly’s tenure.

Lawmakers labeled as "Not Voting" were present for the vote but chose not to vote. Those with an "Excused Absence" were officially absent and had their reasons formally accepted.

Although the final outcome determined the measure’s passage, both chambers also held a vote on a concurrence matter, included below for reference.