HB 1372: Solar energy facilities; prevailing wage & apprenticeship requirements, state & local tax exemption.

Official summary

Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.

Solar energy facilities; prevailing wage and apprenticeship requirements; state and local tax exemption; report; civil penalties. Requires each solar developer, including its contractors and subcontractors, to ensure payment at the prevailing wage rate set by the Department of Labor and Industry for any mechanic, laborer, or worker employed, retained, or otherwise hired to perform construction, maintenance, or repair work for certain electricity generating sources. The bill requires each solar developer to (i) ensure that a percentage of the total labor hours of such work is performed by qualified apprentices and (ii) employ at least one qualified apprentice if four or more individuals are employed to perform such work. Under the bill, a solar developer that fails to meet the requirements of its provisions is required to make penalty payments to the Commissioner of Labor and Industry. Additionally, the bill provides that any certified solar generation facility, as defined in the bill, is declared a separate class of property and shall be classified for local taxation separately from other classifications of real or personal property. Such facilities shall be wholly exempt from state and local taxation under the Constitution of Virginia.

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 5

“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.

Recent official actions

1. February 13, 2026Continued to next session in Appropriations (Voice Vote)
2. February 13, 2026Subcommittee recommends continuing to (Voice Vote)
3. February 13, 2026Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB1372)
4. February 13, 2026Committee substitute printed 26106899D-H1
5. February 13, 2026Assigned HAPP sub: Commerce Agriculture & Natural Resources
6. February 12, 2026Reported from Labor and Commerce with substitute and referred to Appropriations (13-Y 7-N)
7. February 12, 2026Subcommittee recommends reporting with substitute and referring to Appropriations (5-Y 2-N)
8. February 12, 2026House subcommittee offered
9. January 27, 2026Assigned HCL sub: Subcommittee #2
10. January 20, 2026Referred to Committee on Labor and Commerce
11. January 20, 2026Presented and ordered printed 26104995D