Enacts the dark skies protection act

This bill, known as the Dark Skies Protection Act, establishes state regulations to reduce outdoor light pollution by requiring most outdoor lighting fixtures to be shielded so light is directed downward rather than upward. The law applies to residential, commercial, industrial, and municipal buildings and structures, with specific restrictions on recreational facilities that prohibit illumination between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. except for certain events. Several exemptions exist for essential lighting such as airport navigation, worker safety, emergency services, and low-wattage decorative lighting. Municipalities that already have stricter local ordinances on light pollution are exempt from these state requirements, and the state department will provide educational materials to help property owners comply.