House Bill No. 5151, titled "AN ACT CONCERNING SOLAR LICENSING EXEMPTIONS," proposes amendments to the current exemptions from Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) licensing requirements for certain employees and contractors of licensed solar contractors. The bill, effective from October 1, 2026, modifies the existing law by removing the exemption for the placement and anchoring of solar collectors, photovoltaic panels, towers, or turbines. However, it introduces new exemptions that allow these individuals to uncrate and distribute these items on the job site without a license. Additionally, the bill exempts them from licensure requirements when performing pile driving, concrete form work, and the installation of ground screw supports and racking systems.

The fiscal impact statement indicates a potential revenue gain for the state's General Fund, as the removal of certain exemptions may lead to an increase in the number of occupational licenses applied for. The bill analysis clarifies that the bill modifies the exemption from DCP licensing requirements, and it details the specific activities that will be exempt from licensure. Occupational license fees range from $90 to $150 per year, and the bill's fiscal impact is subject to the number of licenses applied for in the future. The General Law Committee has given a Joint Favorable report with a vote of 17 in favor and 5 against on March 7, 2024.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 20-340
GL Joint Favorable: 20-340
File No. 77: 20-340