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Bill > SB382
VA SB382
VA SB382Smart Solar Permitting Platform; definitions, established, residential solar energy systems.
summary
Introduced
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
In Committee
02/19/2026
02/19/2026
Crossed Over
02/13/2026
02/13/2026
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Regular Session
Bill Summary
Smart Solar Permitting Platform established; residential solar energy systems. Creates the Smart Solar Permitting Platform (the Platform) to serve as a tool for (i) contractors to obtain permits for the construction of residential solar energy systems and (ii) localities to process applications for such permits. The bill requires the Department of Energy, in consultation with the Department of Housing and Community Development, 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 January 1, 2028. The bill requires any locality that chooses to use an alternative automated solar permitting platform to submit an annual compliance 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, 2027.
AI Summary
This bill establishes a Smart Solar Permitting Platform, an online system designed to streamline the process for contractors to obtain permits for installing residential solar energy systems and for local governments to review and approve these applications. The platform, to be developed and managed by the Department of Energy, will automate plan reviews and instantly issue permits for systems that meet state building codes and laws, including components like solar panels, batteries, and electrical upgrades. Localities will be required to allow permit applications through this platform or an equivalent alternative automated system by July 1, 2028, with those using alternative systems needing to submit annual compliance reports. The Department of Energy is tasked with launching its platform by July 1, 2027, and may implement a surcharge on permit fees to cover development and administration costs, while explicitly stating that this does not limit local permitting authority or affect utility interconnection requirements.
Committee Categories
Budget and Finance, Business and Industry
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Referred to Committee on Labor and Commerce (on 02/19/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/SB382 |
| Fiscal Note/Analysis - Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB382) | https://lis.blob.core.windows.net/files/1169349.PDF |
| BillText | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/SB382/text/SB382S2 |
| Fiscal Note/Analysis - Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB382) | https://lis.blob.core.windows.net/files/1139560.PDF |
| BillText | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/SB382/text/SB382S1 |
| BillText | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/SB382/text/SB382SC1 |
| Fiscal Note/Analysis - Fiscal Impact statement From CLG (2/9/2026 11:33 am) | https://lis.blob.core.windows.net/files/1134247.PDF |
| Fiscal Note/Analysis - Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB382) | https://lis.blob.core.windows.net/files/1128757.PDF |
| BillText | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/SB382/text/SB382 |
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