The bill amends the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to establish specific provisions regarding the installation and operation of solar facilities on land subject to development rights agreements. It defines key terms such as "amended development rights agreement," "deferment period," "electric provider," and "solar facility," among others. The bill outlines the conditions under which a solar facility can be considered a permitted use, including the requirement for an amended development rights agreement that extends the original agreement's termination date for a period equal to the deferment period, which cannot exceed 90 years. Additionally, it mandates that the solar facility site must meet certain ecological standards and maintain financial assurance for decommissioning.

Furthermore, the bill includes provisions that prevent landowners from claiming tax credits during the deferment period and stipulates that if a landowner relinquishes the development rights agreement during this time, they must repay tax credits for the past seven years. A significant insertion in the bill is the prohibition against amending a development rights agreement to allow a solar facility as a permissible use after the effective date of the act. This legislative change aims to balance the development of renewable energy sources with the preservation of agricultural land and its use.

Statutes affected:
Senate Introduced Bill: 324.36104