Sen. Seth Lewis supports measure to rename Responsible Outdoor Lighting Control Act and strengthen lighting regulations

Sen. Seth Lewis (R-24th) cast his vote in favor of SB3037, which proposes to rename the Responsible Outdoor Lighting Control Act as the Dark Sky Act and enhance outdoor lighting standards, during the 104th General Assembly on May 31, 2026. The Illinois Senate approved the bill with a 57-0 vote.

The bill's official description is: "DARK SKY ACT."

The summary below is based on a review of the bill's text and may involve clarifying interpretations.

If enacted, this legislation would officially rename the Responsible Outdoor Lighting Control Act as the Dark Sky Act and, once in effect, would tighten requirements for outdoor lighting statewide to reduce light pollution and protect environmentally sensitive areas. Starting Dec. 1, 2026, most new or replaced outdoor lighting purchased with state funds or installed on state property will be subject to specific criteria for brightness, glare, light trespass, and color temperature, along with requirements for shielding and limits on unnecessary nighttime lighting. The bill further strengthens regulations near wilderness and natural lands, adds provisions for sports facility lighting, and maintains more rigorous federal, state, or local standards where they exist. Exemptions are provided for safety, security, emergencies, historical lighting, and certain temporary uses, and the Department of Central Management Services must respond to agency exemption requests within 30 days.

For SB3037, the documented legislative action was 'House Floor Amendment No. 1 Senate Concurs.'

Lewis earned his BS from the University of Iowa in 1991.

A Republican, Lewis was elected to the Illinois State Senate in 2023, succeeding former State Sen. Suzy Glowiak and now represents the 24th Senate District.

In Illinois, legislation advances through a multi-step process beginning in either the House or Senate, passing through committees, undergoing debate, and requiring votes in both chambers before potentially reaching the governor for a signature or veto. The General Assembly meets on a biennial basis, and only a small percentage of the thousands of bills introduced each session are ultimately enacted.