Bill
HB 5536
HB 5536 requires municipal approval for solar projects over 2 MW, giving local governments more control over siting large-scale solar farms in their jurisdictions.
HB 5536 is a bill that would require municipal approval for the development of certain solar energy projects in the state. The primary intent of the bill is to give local governments more authority over the siting and construction of large-scale solar farms within their jurisdictions.
Municipal Approval Requirement: The bill mandates that any solar energy project exceeding 2 megawatts (MW) of generating capacity must obtain approval from the municipality where the project is proposed to be located. This represents a significant change, as current state law does not require municipal approval for solar projects under 5 MW.
Approval Process: To gain municipal approval, solar developers would be required to submit detailed project plans and undergo a public hearing process. Municipalities would have the authority to approve, modify, or reject the proposed solar project based on its compatibility with local zoning, land use, and other relevant regulations.
Exemptions: The bill provides an exemption from the municipal approval requirement for solar projects installed on certain types of sites, such as brownfields, landfills, gravel pits, and sites owned by state agencies or departments.
Solar Developers: The new municipal approval process would add an additional layer of review and potential obstacles for developers seeking to build larger-scale solar farms in the state.
Local Governments: Municipalities would gain more control over the siting and development of solar energy projects within their borders, allowing them to shape the growth of solar infrastructure to better align with local priorities and concerns.
Ratepayers: The potential delays or rejection of solar projects due to the municipal approval process could impact the state's progress towards renewable energy goals and affect electricity rates for consumers over the long term.
HB 5536 was introduced in the state legislature on March 14, 2025 and has been referred to the Joint Committee on Energy and Technology for further consideration. If passed by the committee, the bill would then move to a full vote in the House and Senate. The legislative session is scheduled to end on June 30, 2025, so the bill would need to advance through the process relatively quickly to have a chance of being enacted this year.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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