HB 711: Solar facilities; local regulation, special exceptions.

Official summary

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

Local regulation of solar facilities; special exceptions. Provides that a ground-mounted solar energy generation facility to be located on property zoned agricultural, commercial, industrial, or institutional shall be considered pursuant to various criteria to be included in a local ordinance, such as specifications for setbacks, fencing, solar panel height, visual impacts, grading, and a decommissioning plan for solar energy equipment and facilities, unless otherwise permitted by right. The bill requires localities to furnish the State Corporation Commission with a record of special exception decisions reached pursuant to these provisions that includes (i) the reason for any adverse decision, (ii) any finding of nonconformity with the local comprehensive plan, and (iii) the date of the last revision to the comprehensive plan. The bill further requires the State Corporation Commission to compile and maintain on the Commission's public website a searchable database of all solar special exception decisions and the reasons for any adverse decisions made over a period of not less than five years. Finally, the bill states that its provisions shall apply to any ground-mounted solar facility with a generating capacity of one megawatt or more for which an application for local approval is filed on or after July 1, 2026, and any such project shall not be governed by any local ordinances inconsistent with the bill; however, any application for a solar energy facility that has been received and accepted by the relevant authority prior to July 1, 2026, shall be subject to any applicable local ordinances in place at the time the initial application was filed. As introduced, this bill was a recommendation of the Commission on Electric Utility Regulation. This bill is identical to SB 347.

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 1

“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, 2026Governor's recommendation received by House
2. April 6, 2026Fiscal Impact Statement from State Corporation Commission (HB711)
3. March 14, 2026Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026
4. March 14, 2026Enrolled Bill communicated to Governor on March 14, 2026
5. March 12, 2026Signed by Speaker
6. March 11, 2026Signed by President
7. March 11, 2026Bill text as passed House and Senate (HB711ER)
8. March 11, 2026Enrolled
9. March 4, 2026Passed Senate (22-Y 18-N 0-A)
10. March 4, 2026Read third time
11. March 3, 2026Passed by for the day Block Vote (Voice Vote)
12. March 3, 2026Constitutional reading dispensed Block Vote (on 2nd reading) (40-Y 0-N 0-A)

Showing 12 most recent of 29 actions. Full history