Bill
Bill > HB590
summary
Introduced
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
In Committee
03/02/2026
03/02/2026
Crossed Over
02/16/2026
02/16/2026
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Regular Session
Bill Summary
Smart Solar Permitting Platform established; residential solar energy systems; report. Creates the Smart Solar Permitting Platform (the Platform) to serve as a tool for (i) contractors to obtain permits for the construction of streamline-eligible residential solar energy systems and (ii) localities to process applications for such permits. The bill requires the Department of Energy to establish, launch, and administer an internet-based platform that automates plan review and instantly releases a permit or a permit revision to construct certain residential solar energy systems that comply with any applicable building codes and state laws. The bill requires localities to allow contractors to submit an application to construct a residential solar energy system through the Platform or through an alternative automated solar permitting platform by July 1, 2028. The bill requires any locality that chooses to use an alternative automated solar permitting platform to submit an annual report to the Department no later than March 1 of each year. The bill directs the Department of Energy to establish, launch, and administer the Platform by July 1, 2028.
AI Summary
This bill establishes a Smart Solar Permitting Platform, an internet-based system managed by the Department of Energy, to streamline the process for contractors to obtain permits for residential solar energy systems and for local governments to process these applications. The Platform will automate plan reviews and instantly issue permits for systems that comply with building codes and state laws, including those involving solar panels, batteries, and electrical upgrades. Localities will be required to allow permit applications through this Platform or an equivalent "alternative platform" by July 1, 2028, with those using an alternative platform needing to submit annual reports to the Department of Energy. The bill also specifies that the Department must launch its Platform by July 1, 2028, and that the provisions of this act will only become effective if reenacted by the 2027 General Assembly, with a work group tasked with developing an implementation plan and reporting findings by November 1, 2026.
Committee Categories
Budget and Finance, Business and Industry
Sponsors (7)
Phil Hernandez (D)*,
Elizabeth Bennett-Parker (D),
Betsy Carr (D),
Laura Jane Cohen (D),
Michael Feggans (D),
Destiny LeVere Bolling (D),
Atoosa Reaser (D),
Last Action
Reported from Commerce and Labor with substitute and rereferred to Finance and Appropriations (8-Y 6-N) (on 03/02/2026)
Official Document
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