Virginia · 2026 Regular Session · Bill
HB 407: Light pollution education and dark sky preservation; DEQ shall serve as lead agency.
In committee Official data
- Introduced
- In committee
- Passed one chamber
- Passed both chambers
- Enacted
Last official action: ·Record last updated:
Plain-language summary
HB 407 is a bill introduced in the Virginia House on January 12, 2026. According to its official title, it concerns: Light pollution education and dark sky preservation; DEQ shall serve as lead agency. Primary sponsor: David Reid (Democratic). Most recent recorded action (February 18, 2026): Left in Committee Agriculture Chesapeake and Natural Resources.
Generated automatically from the official title, sponsor list, and status record only. It does not characterize the bill’s purpose or effects. How summaries are written
Official summary
Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.
Light pollution education and dark sky preservation. Provides that the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) shall serve as the lead agency for public education and outreach related to light pollution. The bill requires DEQ, in coordination with the Department of Energy, the Department of Wildlife Resources, and the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), to develop and implement an education and outreach program to (i) inform the public about the impacts of light pollution on public health, safety, wildlife, and the environment; (ii) promote best practices for outdoor lighting, including energy-efficient and properly shielded outdoor lighting fixtures; and (iii) encourage voluntary adoption of lighting practices that reduce light pollution and energy waste. The bill further provides that DCR may designate qualifying areas within the Commonwealth as Dark Sky Preserves, as defined in the bill, and that a Dark Sky Preserve designation shall be voluntary and advisory and shall not create additional land use or lighting restrictions beyond those established by local ordinance. The bill has a delayed effective date of January 1, 2027.
Sponsors
Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 1
| Name | Role | Party | Chamber | District |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| David Reid | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 28 |
“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.
Recent official actions
- Left in Committee Agriculture Chesapeake and Natural Resources
- Subcommittee recommends laying on the table (8-Y 2-N)
- House subcommittee offered
- Assigned HACNR sub: Natural Resources
- Referred to Committee on Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources
- Prefiled and ordered printed; Offered 01-14-2026 26104728D