Citizen Portal
Sign In

Committee debates limiting HOA restrictions on solar panels; compromise language offered

Local Government Transparency and Ethics Committee · February 13, 2026

Get AI-powered insights, summaries, and transcripts

Subscribe
AI-Generated Content: All content on this page was generated by AI to highlight key points from the meeting. For complete details and context, we recommend watching the full video. so we can fix them.

Summary

Members discussed Senate Bill 144, which would invalidate restrictive covenants that bar solar-panel installation while allowing reasonable HOA rules; a lobbyist for the Kansas Sierra Club said he and at least one opponent discussed compromise language limiting the statute to rooftops owned and maintained by the homeowner.

Senate Bill 144, described by the chair as a measure to invalidate restrictive covenants that limit or prohibit the installation of solar panels while allowing homeowners associations to adopt reasonable rules, drew debate about scope and ownership.

Committee members said the topic is broad and may require more detailed amendments. Zach Pastora, identified as a lobbyist for the Kansas chapter of the Sierra Club, told the committee he had contacted opponents and recounted a discussion with an attorney who remained opposed to altering already-inked covenants but offered specific language for compromise. Pastora said the proposed compromise would limit the statute's application to "rooftops that are owned, controlled, and maintained by the owner of individual property or structure," which would exclude situations where a homeowner does not own the roof.

Members raised concerns about what "reasonable rules" by an HOA would allow and noted practical complications when HOAs maintain roofs and external structures. Some senators said they preferred to see amendment language in writing before moving the bill; others suggested leaving the bill in committee so proponents and opponents can continue negotiating.

No final action was taken; members said the bill should either be worked with amendments or remain in committee for interim study. The chair said the committee will retain materials and public comments for future discussion.