What's happening
This bill directs the state to support research on the health effects of artificial night light, including its link to breast cancer risk.
Why it matters
Recognizes growing concerns about artificial night light as a public health issue. By mandating research, the bill treats exposure to nighttime lighting as a potential risk factor for serious health outcomes, signaling its rising importance in public health policy.
Highlights a possible link between light exposure and breast cancer. The bill specifically directs attention to research on how artificial light at night may suppress melatonin production, which is thought to increase breast cancer risk—potentially leading to new prevention or awareness strategies.
Encourages collaboration and funding from diverse sources. The legislation enables the use of not just state funds but also public and private research grants, which could accelerate scientific study and broaden the scope of research.
Could shape future regulations or recommendations. If research confirms health risks, findings may influence future guidelines on lighting design in homes, workplaces, or public spaces, affecting everyday life and urban planning.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Study Night Light Health Effects
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
No co-sponsors yet.
History
- Referred to health
- Referred to health
Companion bill
The same bill in the other chamber. A bill becomes law when one version passes both houses and the governor signs it, so either number can carry it.
Study Night Light Health Risks
In Assembly Committee · Ways And Means · Sponsor Linda Rosenthal
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
3754
2017-2018 Regular Sessions
IN SENATE
January 26, 2017
Introduced by Sen. MARCELLINO -- read twice and ordered printed, and when printed to be committed to the Committee on Health
AN ACT to amend the public health law, in relation to research relating to the health effects of artificial night light
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. Subdivision 1 of section 201 of the public health law is amended by adding a new paragraph (t) to read as follows:
(t) engage in and/or support research into the health effects of artificial night light including but not limited to research on indicators that exposure to light at night may be associated with the increased risk of developing breast cancer by suppressing the normal nocturnal production of melatonin by the pineal gland, within funds made available for such purposes including research funds from non-state, public and private sources;
§ 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD05431-01-7
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Sponsor's memo
Title of bill
An act to amend the public health law, in relation to research relating to the health effects of artificial night light
Purpose
This bill expands the powers and duties of the Department of Health to engage in and support research into the health effects of artificial night light.
Summary of provisions
Section I adds a new paragraph (t) to subdivision 1 of section 201 of the Public Health Law to expand the powers and duties of the Department of Health to engage in and support research into the health effects of artificial night light.
Justification
Use of an artificial light is a suspected contributor to a wide variety of human health problems. The most serious connection concerns the inhibition of the nocturnal production of melatonin because of constant exposure to artificial night lighting. This legislation will enable the Department of Health to study this and other possible effects of excessive night lighting on human health.
Legislative history
2015-16: S. 3107 Health/ A. 572 Ways and Means 2013-14: S. 5304 Health/ A. 263 Ways and Means 2011-12: No Same As/ A. 1833 Ways and Means 2009-10: S. 4992 Health/ A. 5769 Passed Assembly
Fiscal implications
None
Effective date
This bill shall take effect immediately
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.