SB 443: Siting of battery energy storage projects; commercial solar photovoltaic generation facilities.

Official summary

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

Siting of battery energy storage projects; commercial solar photovoltaic generation facilities; permitted accessory use. Deems battery energy storage projects as a permitted accessory use in all zoning districts on any parcel of land that is subject to an approved special exception, as defined in the bill, for a commercial solar photovoltaic generation facility, if such battery energy storage project is located within the boundaries of the parcel covered by the existing special exception and complies with any applicable federal, state, and local safety or fire codes and environmental regulations. The bill prohibits a host locality from requiring a special exception or any other local land use approval on such battery energy storage project. The bill clarifies that nothing in the provisions of the bill shall be construed to (i) limit the authority of a host locality to enforce compliance with applicable codes or ensure the safe operation of the battery energy storage project or (ii) preclude the developer of a battery energy storage project from negotiating a siting agreement with the host locality. The bill also clarifies that any battery energy storage project for which an initial interconnection request has been filed with an electric utility or a regional transmission organization prior to July 1, 2030, and is constructed in accordance with the provisions of the bill shall be subject to the applicable local ordinance and regulation in effect on July 1, 2026. This bill is identical to HB 891.

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 2

“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 12, 2026Governor's recommendation received by Senate
2. March 10, 2026Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026
3. March 10, 2026Enrolled Bill communicated to Governor on March 10, 2026
4. February 18, 2026Signed by President
5. February 18, 2026Signed by Speaker
6. February 18, 2026Bill text as passed Senate and House (SB443ER)
7. February 18, 2026Enrolled
8. February 16, 2026Passed House (68-Y 30-N 0-A)
9. February 16, 2026Read third time
10. February 15, 2026Read second time
11. February 13, 2026Reported from Counties, Cities and Towns (18-Y 3-N)
12. February 4, 2026Referred to Committee on Counties, Cities and Towns

Showing 12 most recent of 28 actions. Full history