Bill > HB407

This bill requires municipalities and counties in Texas to update their building codes to mandate that new residential construction for one to four-family homes must be compatible with solar energy device installation. Specifically, the bill requires that new residential buildings be designed to allow for solar energy devices to be interconnected with local electric distribution systems operated by electric cooperatives, electric utilities, or municipally owned utilities, while adhering to existing interconnection requirements, Public Utility Commission rules, and relevant independent organization protocols. Builders must have their construction inspected by the local municipality or county to ensure compliance, and failure to meet these requirements or refusing inspection will result in a Class C misdemeanor. The new building code requirements will only apply to residential construction beginning on or after September 1, 2027, and the bill itself will take effect on September 1, 2025. By establishing these standardized requirements, the bill aims to facilitate easier solar energy device installation for homeowners and promote renewable energy adoption in residential settings.

Government Affairs

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB407