Dark Skies: Governor passes HB 4158

Texas towns can now use hotel occupancy tax (HOT) dollars to reduce light pollution and preserve the dark skies above, all thanks to a Driftwood-area legislator.

Earlier this month, House Bill 4158, authored by State Rep. Erin Zwiener (D-Driftwood), became law after it passed through Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s office. HB 4158 allows small cities to use revenue from their municipal hotel occupancy tax (HOT) for the construction and maintenance of infrastructure that reduces light pollution and sky glow. 

In Hays County, the bill directly affects the cities of Dripping Springs and Wimberley, which are two of three International Dark Sky cities in Texas.