South Carolina 2025-2026 Regular Session

South Carolina House Bill H3991 Compare Versions

Only one version of the bill is available at this time.

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1	1	South Carolina General Assembly126th Session, 2025-2026
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3	3	Bill 3991
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5	5	Indicates Matter StrickenIndicates New Matter
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7	7	(Text matches printed bills. Document has been reformatted to meet World Wide Web specifications.)
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9	9	A house RESOLUTION TO DECLARE THE NIGHTS OF MARCH THROUGH MAY AND AUGUST THROUGH OCTOBER AS "LIGHTS OUT NIGHTS IN SOUTH CAROLINA SEASON" AND TO URGE SOUTH CAROLINA RESIDENTS TO TURN OUT NONESSENTIAL LIGHTS AT NIGHT DURING THESE CRITICAL PERIODS IN THE SPRING AND FALL FOR THE PROTECTION OF BIRDS IN SOUTH CAROLINA. Whereas, every spring and fall, millions of birds travel through the coastal areas on their migration and millions stop to refuel in the maritime forests, marshes, and greenspaces of South Carolina; and Whereas, eighty percent of migratory songbirds travel at night to avoid daytime predators and to use celestial cues for navigation; and Whereas, migrating birds are affected by light pollution as it disorients them, making them vulnerable to collisions with buildings and structures; and Whereas, sixty percent of birds that strike buildings and structures at night die as a result, including those that appear to recover and fly away but days later succumb to their injuries; and Whereas, research has shown that eliminating nonessential interior and exterior lighting between eleven in the evening and dawn can prevent collisions; and Whereas, South Carolina is a State known for its natural beauty, rich biodiversity, and commitment to conservation, with many communities recognizing the importance of protecting birds and wildlife; and Whereas, rapid population growth and development across South Carolina have contributed to increased light pollution, making it imperative to adopt responsible lighting practices; and Whereas, Audubon South Carolina and the affiliated chapters of the South Carolina Audubon Society support Lights Out programming that encourages state, municipal, residential, and commercial building owners, operators, managers, and tenants to turn off, dim, or redirect excess lighting during the spring and fall migration periods to provide safe passage for birds; and Whereas, reducing light pollution benefits mental and physical health in humans, benefits insect populations that are in decline, and facilitates stargazing. Now, therefore, Be it resolved by the House of Representatives: That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, declare the nights of March through May and August through October as "Lights Out Nights in South Carolina Season" and urge South Carolina residents to turn out nonessential lights at night during these critical periods in the spring and fall for the protection of birds in South Carolina. ----XX----
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27	27	A house RESOLUTION
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31	31	TO DECLARE THE NIGHTS OF MARCH THROUGH MAY AND AUGUST THROUGH OCTOBER AS "LIGHTS OUT NIGHTS IN SOUTH CAROLINA SEASON" AND TO URGE SOUTH CAROLINA RESIDENTS TO TURN OUT NONESSENTIAL LIGHTS AT NIGHT DURING THESE CRITICAL PERIODS IN THE SPRING AND FALL FOR THE PROTECTION OF BIRDS IN SOUTH CAROLINA.
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35	35	Whereas, every spring and fall, millions of birds travel through the coastal areas on their migration and millions stop to refuel in the maritime forests, marshes, and greenspaces of South Carolina; and
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39	39	Whereas, eighty percent of migratory songbirds travel at night to avoid daytime predators and to use celestial cues for navigation; and
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43	43	Whereas, migrating birds are affected by light pollution as it disorients them, making them vulnerable to collisions with buildings and structures; and
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47	47	Whereas, sixty percent of birds that strike buildings and structures at night die as a result, including those that appear to recover and fly away but days later succumb to their injuries; and
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51	51	Whereas, research has shown that eliminating nonessential interior and exterior lighting between eleven in the evening and dawn can prevent collisions; and
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55	55	Whereas, South Carolina is a State known for its natural beauty, rich biodiversity, and commitment to conservation, with many communities recognizing the importance of protecting birds and wildlife; and
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59	59	Whereas, rapid population growth and development across South Carolina have contributed to increased light pollution, making it imperative to adopt responsible lighting practices; and
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63	63	Whereas, Audubon South Carolina and the affiliated chapters of the South Carolina Audubon Society support Lights Out programming that encourages state, municipal, residential, and commercial building owners, operators, managers, and tenants to turn off, dim, or redirect excess lighting during the spring and fall migration periods to provide safe passage for birds; and
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67	67	Whereas, reducing light pollution benefits mental and physical health in humans, benefits insect populations that are in decline, and facilitates stargazing. Now, therefore,
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71	71	Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
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75	75	That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, declare the nights of March through May and August through October as "Lights Out Nights in South Carolina Season" and urge South Carolina residents to turn out nonessential lights at night during these critical periods in the spring and fall for the protection of birds in South Carolina.
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81	81	This web page was last updated on February 13, 2025 at 11:32 AM