HB 590: Smart Solar Permitting Platform; established, residential solar energy systems.

Official summary

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

Smart Solar Permitting Platform established; residential solar energy systems; work group; 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 the Platform by July 1, 2027, as 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 Director of the Department to convene a work group to determine the appropriateness of adding a surcharge to local government permitting fees to defray state costs for the Platform and to report its findings to the General Assembly on or before November 1, 2026. This bill is identical to SB 382.

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 7

“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. April 13, 2026Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0633)
2. April 13, 2026Approved by Governor-Chapter 633 (effective 7/1/2026)
3. April 1, 2026Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB590)
4. March 31, 2026Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026
5. March 31, 2026Enrolled Bill communicated to Governor on March 31, 2026
6. March 31, 2026Signed by Speaker
7. March 30, 2026Signed by President
8. March 30, 2026Bill text as passed House and Senate (HB590ER)
9. March 30, 2026Enrolled
10. March 20, 2026Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB590)
11. March 14, 2026Conference report agreed to by House (64-Y 33-N 0-A)
12. March 13, 2026Conference report agreed to by Senate (22-Y 17-N 0-A)

Showing 12 most recent of 40 actions. Full history