Why 3/5: The bill sets future standards for solar facility approvals, impacting long-term renewable energy development, with an effective date over two years away.
This bill establishes new statewide criteria for local ordinances regulating ground-mounted solar facilities, requiring localities to report approval decisions and creating a public database of these outcomes. For solar projects filed after July 1, 2026, local ordinances inconsistent with these state provisions will not apply, potentially streamlining and accelerating renewable energy development in Virginia.
Referred to committee
Referred to Committee on Local Government
Cleared committee
Reported from Local Government (9-Y 6-N)
Update
Rules suspended
Update
Constitutional reading dispensed Block Vote (on 2nd reading) (40-Y 0-N 0-A)
Update
Passed by for the day Block Vote (Voice Vote)
Third reading
Read third time
Passed a chamber
Passed Senate (22-Y 18-N 0-A)
Enrolled
Enrolled
Passed a chamber
Bill text as passed House and Senate (HB711ER)
This bill has passed its votes and is headed to the Governor's desk. You still have a say — the Governor's office reads messages before deciding whether to sign.
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Summarized from the official bill text (“Solar facilities; local regulation, special exceptions.”) · Read the actual bill →
Passed a chamber
Signed by President
Passed a chamber
Signed by Speaker
Enrolled
Enrolled Bill communicated to Governor on March 14, 2026
Sent to the Governor
Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026
Update
Fiscal Impact Statement from State Corporation Commission (HB711)
Line-item veto
Governor's recommendation received by House