Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Solar Policy topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Senate advances bill limiting HOA bans on solar panels; sponsor calls it a Clean Air Caucus priority
Summary
Second substitute Senate Bill 154 would restrict homeowners associations from broadly prohibiting rooftop solar unless the restriction appears in covenants or bylaws; the Senate passed the measure 23'2 (23 yea, 2 nay, 4 absent) and sent it to the House.
Senator Fillmore presented second substitute Senate Bill 154 as a Clean Air Caucus priority on Feb. 28, explaining the bill would prevent homeowners associations from imposing blanket bans on rooftop solar unless the restriction has been adopted in an association's governing documents.
"This bill would place restrictions on homeowners' abilities to restrict solar panels in homes unless they wanted to specifically restrict solar panels in homes," the sponsor said on the floor and invited questions. He described the bill as requiring that, if an HOA wants to regulate solar, it must do so by explicit resolution in bylaws or covenants rather than through unstated or informal rules.
Senator Fillmore moved that the second substitute pass. The roll call was held and the clerk recorded a vote of 23 yeas, 2 nays and 4 absences; the bill was then sent to the House for consideration.
Supporters framed the bill as protecting homeowners' ability to install renewable-energy systems, while sponsors said they were open to further questions and adjustments as the bill moves through the process. The sponsor also identified the bill as a priority for the Clean Air Caucus.
The next step for SB154 is House consideration after transmittal from the Senate.
