Massachusetts legislation · 194th General Court
Massachusetts S3162: An Act to improve outdoor lighting, conserve energy, and increase dark-sky visibility
Status: In committee, July 6, 2026
What the bill says
From the introduced text, July 1, 2026:
SECTION 1. Chapter 85 of the General Laws is hereby amended by adding the following section:- Section 38. (a) As used in this section, the following terms shall have the following meanings unless the context clearly requires otherwise: “Correlated color temperature” or “CCT”, the apparent hue of the light emitted by a fixture, expressed in units of kelvin. “Façade lighting”, illumination of exterior surfaces of buildings for the enhancement of nighttime appearance achieved by shining light onto building surfaces, by internal or external illumination of translucent building surfaces or with fixtures solely for decorative function. “Fixture”, a complete lighting unit, including a light source, together with the parts designed to distribute the light, position and protect the light source and connect the light source to the power supply. “Fully shielded fixture”, a fixture that in its mounted position: (i) has an uplight rating of U0 as defined by the standards of the Illuminating Engineering Society; or (ii) allows no direct light from the fixture above a horizontal plane through the fixture’s lowest light-emitting part in its mounted position. “Glare”, light emitted by a fixture that causes visual discomfort or reduced visibility. “Illuminance”, the luminous power incident per unit area of a surface. “Light trespass”, light that falls beyond the property it is intended to illuminate. “Lumen”, a standard unit of …
Sponsors
- Cynthia Creem (D)
- Joanne Comerford (D, Hampshire, Franklin and Worcester)
- James Eldridge (D, Middlesex and Worcester)
- Tarr, Andrew (D, 5th Essex)
- Margaret Scarsdale (D)
- Kennedy, Edward J. (D, First Middlesex)
Latest actions
- : Read; and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means
- : Passed to be engrossed -see Roll Call #198 (Yeas 39 to Nays 0)
- : S3145, reprinted as amended
Votes
- Passed to be engrossed (July 1, 2026): 39 yea, 0 nay, passed
Common questions
- What is S3162?
- S3162 is a bill in the Massachusetts Legislature (194th General Court): An Act to improve outdoor lighting, conserve energy, and increase dark-sky visibility.
- What is the status of S3162?
- In committee as of July 6, 2026. Latest action: Read; and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means (July 6, 2026).
- Who sponsored S3162?
- Cynthia Creem (D), with 5 co-sponsors.
- Where is the official record for S3162?
- On the Massachusetts Legislature website: https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S3162
Source: official Massachusetts record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.