This bill establishes the State Smart Solar Permitting Platform, which will be managed by the Commissioner of Community Affairs in New Jersey. The platform aims to streamline the approval process for residential solar energy system installations by automating plan reviews, issuing permits instantly, and ensuring compliance with the State Uniform Construction Code. It is expected to process at least 75% of applications, thereby reducing bureaucratic delays that can lead to increased costs and project cancellations. Local enforcing agencies are required to use this platform or implement an equivalent automated system, with compliance reports submitted to the Department of Community Affairs (DCA).

The bill also includes provisions for penalties against local enforcing agencies that do not comply with the requirement to accept applications through the designated platform. These penalties will be directed to the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. Additionally, the DCA is tasked with providing training for local agency employees on the platform's use and may implement solar permit surcharge fees to help cover the platform's development and administration costs. The DCA also has the authority to condition or deny funding to local units that fail to comply with the bill's requirements.