Restrictions on Use - Solar Collector Systems - Alteration
HB 4 prohibits community associations from imposing unreasonable restrictions on solar collector systems that increase installation costs by 5% or reduce energy efficiency by 10% compared to the original plan. It directly affects property owners installing rooftop or exterior solar systems and community associations managing residential developments. The bill allows associations to restrict installations in common areas with reasonable rules but requires property owners to provide documentation from certified solar specialists to challenge cost/efficiency impacts. It also permits associations to install solar systems in common areas if not otherwise prohibited by law.
Bill status
signed
all 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Oct 2024
Committee Review
Mar 2025
House of Delegates Passage
Apr 2025
Senate Passage
Apr 2025
Signed into Law
May 2025
Introduced Oct 30, 2024
Signed May 13, 2025
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First - Restrictions on Use - Solar Collector Systems - Alteration
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2 edits
MINOR
The bill underwent minor formatting and structural reorganization with no substantive policy changes. The content remains identical, including all definitions, thresholds (5% cost increase, 10% energy reduction), and requirements for solar collector system restrictions.
TECHNICAL
Formatting and line number adjustments throughout the document, including header information and section numbering.
Minor spacing and indentation changes in the explanatory notes and legal text.
Floor votes · Senate Mar 15, 2025 · House of Delegates Feb 13, 2025
How they voted
33–13
Passed
Total votes 46
Mar 15, 2025
D
Democratic33
100% Yea
R
Republican13
100% Nay
Vote distribution
All Yea
All Nay
Mixed
No data
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
18
Key actions
9
Committee
6
May 13, 2025
Signed into law
Approved by the Governor - Chapter 517
executive
Apr 2, 2025
Lower · Passed
Returned Passed
lower
Apr 2, 2025
Upper · Passed
Third Reading Passed
upper
Mar 26, 2025
Upper · Passed
Favorable Adopted
upper
Mar 26, 2025
Upper · Passed
Favorable Report by Judicial Proceedings
upper
Mar 15, 2025
Senate · Passed
Senate Vote: pass (33-13)
senate
Feb 14, 2025
Committee
Referred Judicial Proceedings
upper
Feb 13, 2025
Lower · Passed
Third Reading Passed
lower
Feb 11, 2025
Lower · Passed
Favorable Adopted Second Reading Passed
lower
Feb 10, 2025
Lower · Passed
Favorable Report by Environment and Transportation
lower
Jan 8, 2025
Committee
First Reading Environment and Transportation
lower
Oct 30, 2024
Introduced
Pre-filed
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Stephanie Smith
DDemocratic
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