Sen. Glowiak Hilton backs SB3037 to update lighting law, limit light pollution in Illinois

Sen. Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-23rd) supported SB3037 with a Yes vote on May 31, 2026, during the 104th General Assembly, as recorded by the Illinois Senate. The legislation received unanimous Senate approval, passing by a 57-0 vote.

The official bill summary describes it as the "DARK SKY ACT."

The description provided is derived from the bill’s text, along with clarifying interpretation as needed for explanation.

Broadly, this measure renames the Responsible Outdoor Lighting Control Act as the Dark Sky Act and, once effective, updates statewide outdoor lighting standards with the goal of mitigating light pollution and preserving sensitive habitats. Starting Dec. 1, 2026, most newly purchased or retrofitted state-funded or state-property outdoor lighting must satisfy requirements on brightness, glare, light trespass and color temperature, include shielding, and limit nonessential lighting during overnight hours. It sets increased restrictions near wilderness areas, creates specific provisions for sports facility lighting, and ensures state standards can be exceeded by local, federal or additional state regulations. Explicit exemptions are included for safety, security, emergency, historic or seasonal lighting, with state agency requests for exemptions to be reviewed by the Department of Central Management Services within 30 days.

The listed action on SB3037 was 'House Floor Amendment No. 1 Senate Concurs.'

Hilton earned a BA from the Illinois Institute of Technology in 1983.

As a Democrat, Hilton was elected to the Illinois State Senate representing the 23rd District in 2023, succeeding former senator Diane Pappas.

Illinois legislation advances via a multi-stage legislative process that begins with a bill’s introduction, passes to committee review and floor debate, and entails votes in both the House and Senate before proceeding to the governor for potential approval or veto. The General Assembly works on a biennial cycle, with only a portion of the thousands of bills introduced each session ultimately becoming law.