AN ACT relating to eminent domain for solar energy projects.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Robby Mills and 2 co-sponsors

SB 107 clarifies and potentially expands eminent domain authority to acquire land or easements for solar projects, outlining compensation and due process.

to Committee on Committees (S)

#cooperatives #eminentdomainandcondemnation #energy #landuse #property #publicutilities

Summary of SB 107 (2026 Regular Session, Kentucky)

Purpose and intent

SB 107 proposes changes to the use of eminent domain to facilitate solar energy projects in Kentucky. The bill aims to clarify and potentially expand the government's and private developers’ ability to obtain land or easements for solar facilities, with attention to ensuring project progress while balancing property rights and local process considerations.

Key provisions and changes

Eminent domain authority for solar projects: The bill addresses when and how eminent domain can be invoked to acquire land or rights necessary for constructing, operating, or maintaining solar energy installations.

Project scope and eligibility: Provisions specify the types of solar projects that may be covered (e.g., utility-scale solar facilities) and the circumstances under which eminent domain may be used, including alignment with state energy or public utility objectives.

Property rights and compensation: The bill is expected to outline procedures for just compensation to property owners, including valuation standards, appraisal requirements, and timelines for payment or disputes.

Processal requirements: Potentially includes steps such as notices to landowners, public hearings or opportunities for public comment, and certification or approval requirements by relevant state agencies or commissions before eminent domain can be exercised.

Environmental and local considerations: May address permitting, interconnection, and land-use compatibility, aiming to reconcile solar development with environmental protections and local zoning or land-use plans.

Oversight and enforcement: Might establish or reference an enforcement mechanism or review by a state department or commission to ensure compliance with eminent domain procedures in solar projects.

Who would be affected

Landowners and private property holders adjacent to or within the path of proposed solar projects: Changes to eminent domain procedures and compensation processes would impact how land can be acquired.

Solar developers and power companies: Entities seeking to develop utility-scale solar facilities would be directly affected by the clarified or expanded eminent domain framework.

Public utilities and state agencies: Agencies involved in energy development, infrastructure permitting, and condemnation oversight would implement or enforce the new provisions.

Local governments: Municipalities or counties may experience changes in land-use approvals or notification requirements related to solar projects.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Introduction and committee referral: SB 107 was introduced in the Senate on January 20, 2026 and referred to the Committee on Committees (S) for initial consideration.

Any subsequent milestones: As of the current action history, the bill has not advanced beyond referral to the committee; future steps would typically include committee hearings, possible amendments, and floor votes in the Senate, followed by house consideration if passed.

Notes for readers

The summary reflects the bill’s stated focus on eminent domain for solar energy projects and general expectations based on typical provisions in similar statutes. For precise language, definitions, thresholds, compensation formulas, and procedural timelines, the official bill text and any fiscal notes or committee amendments should be reviewed once available.