This bill mandates that local governments in Minnesota with populations exceeding 5,000 residents establish residential instant solar permitting platforms to streamline the permitting process for residential photovoltaic systems. The platforms must automate plan reviews, issue code-compliant approvals, and allow for online payments, thereby eliminating the need for manual reviews for applications that meet the criteria. The bill specifies that these platforms should be capable of processing at least 75% of permit applications for existing construction and outlines the requirements for compliance reports and annual reports that local governments must submit to the state department.

Additionally, the bill includes provisions for inspections of projects permitted through these platforms, allowing for remote inspections via recorded video or photos. It also establishes a self-certification process for local governments seeking funding from the department, with non-compliance potentially affecting their eligibility for funding opportunities. The effective date for this legislation is set for July 1, 2026.