Bill > SB344

This bill extends the deadline for community solar energy generating systems to be approved by the Public Service Commission (PSC) from December 31, 2025, to December 31, 2030, in order for the land they occupy to qualify for agricultural use assessment, a property tax break for land actively used for farming. It also requires the State Department of Assessments and Taxation to issue a preconstruction determination upon application, which, if favorable, will qualify the land for agricultural use assessment, provided certain conditions are met, including the submission of a site plan, an agrivoltaics plan detailing how agricultural activity will be conducted alongside the solar system, and proof of site control. The Department can revoke this determination if the project significantly deviates from the application, agricultural activity ceases, or inaccurate information was provided. The bill also allows the Department to charge a fee to cover administrative costs associated with these new provisions.