WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 5916

AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY -- RESIDENTIAL LANDLORD AND TENANT ACT

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Karen Alzate and 9 co-sponsors

Requires solar developers approved by CT Siting Council for petition and application projects to post farmland restoration bonds to fund soil restoration if decommissioned.

03/18/2025 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 5916

Summary — HB 5916 (Public Act 25-127)

Title: AN ACT REQUIRING SOLAR DEVELOPERS TO PROVIDE FARMLAND RESTORATION BONDS FOR BOTH PETITION AND APPLICATION PROJECTS APPROVED BY THE SITING COUNCIL
Bill number: HB 5916 (Public Act 25-127) — Signed by Governor on July 8, 2025

Purpose

The act requires solar energy developers to post farmland restoration bonds for solar projects on agricultural land that are approved by the Connecticut Siting Council. The intent is to ensure financial assurance is in place to restore farmland if a solar facility is decommissioned or otherwise needs site remediation, thereby protecting agricultural soils and long‑term farm viability.

Key provisions

  • Requires developers of solar projects approved by the Connecticut Siting Council to provide farmland restoration bonds.
  • Applies to projects approved via both petition and application routes before the Siting Council (i.e., both petition and application projects are covered).
  • Links siting approvals with a financial guarantee intended specifically for farmland restoration (bonding mechanism).
  • The act addresses related subjects such as eminent domain, soil testing, and soil conservation in the context of siting solar projects (these areas are listed as subjects of the legislation).

Note: The public summary and available bill text do not include detailed bond amounts, timing of bond posting, duration, or specific administration/enforcement procedures. Those details would be found in the enacted text of Public Act 25‑127 or implementing guidance from the Siting Council and relevant agencies.

Who is affected

  • Solar developers/owners: must secure and maintain farmland restoration bonds for covered projects, which may affect project financing and decommissioning plans.
  • Connecticut Siting Council: responsible for administering approvals that now carry this bonding requirement and for ensuring compliance.
  • Farmers and owners of agricultural land: gain increased assurance that farmland will be restored if a project is removed.
  • Local governments, regulators, and lenders: may need to incorporate the bonding requirement into permitting, oversight, and financing decisions.

Procedural timeline / status

  • Introduced: January 22, 2025 (referred to Joint Committee on Environment)
  • Public hearing: February 19, 2025
  • LCO filing and committee action: March–April 2025 (Joint Favorable Substitute)
  • House passed: June 3, 2025
  • Senate passed (in concurrence): June 4, 2025
  • Public Act assigned: June 16, 2025 (Public Act 25‑127)
  • Transmitted to Secretary of the State and Governor: June 25, 2025
  • Signed by Governor: July 8, 2025

Potential impacts and considerations

  • Financial: Developers face additional upfront or ongoing bonding costs; lenders may require bond terms be met.
  • Environmental/agricultural protection: Provides a mechanism to fund soil restoration and conservation on former farmland.
  • Implementation: The effectiveness depends on bond amounts, enforcement processes, and coordination between the Siting Council and conservation/ agriculture agencies. Stakeholders should consult the enacted Public Act text and any implementing regulations for precise obligations.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.