The proposed bill would update current statutes by allowing municipalities or counties to establish specific regulations for solar energy power plants, including zoning standards and permitting procedures. It would require applicants to comply with these local regulations and prohibit the transfer of ownership or special use permits without written acceptance of obligations by the new owner. Additionally, the bill mandates that owners remedy any damage or permit violations within 90 days of notice and requires the removal of nonfunctional plants after one year at the owner's expense.

Furthermore, the bill would create the Solar Energy Power Plant Site Remediation Fund, administered by the Arizona Power Authority's Executive Director, to cover decommissioning and restoration costs. It would impose financial assurance requirements for decommissioning, mandate regular updates to cost estimates, and allow municipalities to utilize fund resources for decommissioning expenses. The bill also requires plant owners to maintain liability insurance related to maintenance and construction and mandates reporting any sale of a plant to a public service corporation to the local municipality or county. Overall, these updates aim to enhance the regulatory framework for solar energy power plants and ensure responsible decommissioning and restoration practices.

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