The bill, Substitute House Bill No. 5916, mandates that solar developers must provide a decommissioning bond for any solar photovoltaic facility with a capacity of two megawatts or more that is proposed on prime farmland or forestland. This requirement applies to both petition and application projects that are approved by the Connecticut Siting Council. The bond is intended to cover the costs associated with decommissioning the facility and restoring the land to its original condition, ensuring that the soil remains suitable for farming. The bill also stipulates that the council cannot approve such projects unless the applicant provides this bond.

Additionally, the bill repeals and replaces existing language in subsection (a) of section 16-50k of the general statutes, which previously outlined the conditions under which the Siting Council could issue certificates for solar facilities. The new language emphasizes the necessity of the decommissioning bond for projects on prime farmland or forestland, reinforcing the environmental protection measures in place. The bill is effective upon passage and does not impose any fiscal impact on the state or municipalities.