Virginia · 2026 Regular Session · Bill
HB 289: Electric utilities; small portable solar generation devices.
In committee Official data
- Introduced
- In committee
- Passed one chamber
- Passed both chambers
- Enacted
Last official action: ·Record last updated:
Plain-language summary
HB 289 is a bill introduced in the Virginia House on January 9, 2026. According to its official title, it concerns: Electric utilities; small portable solar generation devices. Primary sponsor: Jessica L. Anderson. It lists 11 additional sponsors. Most recent recorded action (January 29, 2026): Incorporated by Labor and Commerce (HB395-Krizek) (Voice Vote).
Generated automatically from the official title, sponsor list, and status record only. It does not characterize the bill’s purpose or effects. How summaries are written
Official summary
Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.
Electric utilities; small portable solar generation devices. Permits any electric utility customer to own and operate a small portable solar generation device, defined in the bill as a nationally certified, plug-in solar photovoltaic device with a maximum power output of no more than 1,200 watts at a single premise that is not designed to be interconnected with the electric grid and is intended primarily to offset part of the customer's electricity consumption. The bill prohibits an investor-owned utility, municipal utility, or electric cooperative from imposing interconnection requirements, charging any fee related to the device, or requiring that the customer obtain the utility's approval before installing or using the device. Under the bill, no electric utility or electric cooperative shall be liable for damage or injury caused by a small portable solar generation device.
Sponsors
Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 9
| Name | Role | Party | Chamber | District |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jessica L. Anderson | Primary sponsor | Not applicable (committee) | — | — |
| Bonita Anthony | Co-sponsor | Democratic | House | 92 |
| Karen R. "Kacey" Carnegie | Co-sponsor | Not applicable (committee) | — | — |
| Nadarius Clark | Co-sponsor | Democratic | House | 84 |
| Nicole Cole | Co-sponsor | Democratic | House | 66 |
| Liz Guzmán | Co-sponsor | Democratic | House | 22 |
| J.R. Henson | Co-sponsor | Democratic | House | 19 |
| Marty Martinez | Co-sponsor | Democratic | House | 29 |
| Sam Rasoul | Co-sponsor | Democratic | House | 38 |
| Charlie Schmidt | Co-sponsor | Not applicable (committee) | — | — |
| Irene Shin | Co-sponsor | Democratic | House | 8 |
| Rod Willett | Co-sponsor | Democratic | House | 58 |
“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.
Recent official actions
- Incorporated by Labor and Commerce (HB395-Krizek) (Voice Vote)
- Subcommittee recommends incorporating (Voice Vote)
- Fiscal Impact Statement from State Corporation Commission (HB289)
- Assigned HCL sub: Subcommittee #3
- Referred to Committee on Labor and Commerce
- Prefiled and ordered printed; Offered 01-14-2026 26104178D