HB 2781 Arizona House · 57th Legislature - Second Regular Session

decommissioning; solar energy; standards; fund

HB 2781 establishes rules for decommissioning solar energy power plants in Arizona, directly affecting solar plant owners and operators. It requires them to submit detailed decommissioning plans, maintain financial assurance (like bonds) covering cleanup costs, and restore sites to original conditions within 18 months after shutdown. Key provisions include a 90-day cure period for permit violations, mandatory site restoration using native vegetation, and specific removal requirements for above-ground components and foundations. Local governments (cities, towns, counties) enforce these standards and can enter sites to complete decommissioning if owners fail to act. The law ensures solar projects don’t leave environmental or financial burdens on communities after they’re no longer operational.

Issues: ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

Bill status failed 3 of 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Jan 2026

Committee Review

House Passage

Mar 2026

Senate Passage

Governor

Introduced Jan 20, 2026 Last action Mar 24, 2026

Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

Introduced Version → House Engrossed Version (03/10/2026) · 8 edits · Mar 10, 2026

MODERATE

The bill was expanded from a local zoning tool into a comprehensive statewide decommissioning and site restoration framework. It now mandates specific financial assurance schedules, defines qualified engineers for cost estimates, and establishes clear timelines for removing solar plants and restoring land, including provisions for repowering sites.

Scope change

The bill's scope broadened significantly; it now applies to all solar energy power plants regardless of whether they are in cities, towns, or counties, and it explicitly excludes existing facilities built before the law's effective date.

REQUIREMENT

Added mandatory decommissioning standards for all local governments, replacing previous optional zoning authority.

Required cost estimates to be prepared by independent, registered professional engineers rather than general qualified persons.

Changed removal depth requirements for buried collection lines, allowing them to remain in place if they are below 36 inches.

Added a requirement for liability insurance with specific coverage limits of $1,000,000 per occurrence.

Introduced a mechanism for owners to petition for plan amendments based on technological advancements or best interests.

Added exemptions for duplicate financial assurance if the owner already has coverage through a lease or other agreement.

ELIGIBILITY

Created exemptions for solar plants already constructed, permitted, or in the interconnection process before the law takes effect.

TIMELINE

Established a specific financial assurance schedule with initial, intermediary, and final postings over a 25-year period.

Floor votes · House Mar 10, 2026

How they voted

51–4

Passed · 5 other

Total votes 60

Mar 10, 2026

D Democratic27

19 Yea 4 Nay 4

70% Yea

R Republican33

32 Yea 1

96% Yea

Vote distribution

All Yea All Nay Mixed No data

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Amendments

Mar 10, 2026

Lower · Passed

PASSED

lower

Mar 9, 2026

Lower · Passed

DPA

lower

Mar 9, 2026

Lower · Passed

PASSED

lower

Feb 23, 2026

Lower · Passed

DPA

lower

Feb 12, 2026

Lower · Passed

DPA

lower

1 primary · 0 co-sponsors