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VA SB443
Bill
Status
Enrolled
2/18/2026
Primary Sponsor
Jeremy McPike
Click for details
AI Summary
- Battery energy storage projects are automatically permitted as accessory uses on parcels with approved solar facility special exceptions, without requiring additional local land use approvals or special permits
- Storage projects must be located within the boundaries of the existing approved solar facility parcel and must comply with all applicable federal, state, and local safety, fire, and environmental regulations
- Existing payment obligations, financial commitments, and tax exemptions associated with the approved solar project remain unchanged and do not apply to or affect the added battery storage project
- Host localities retain authority to enforce safety codes and ensure safe operation of battery storage projects, and developers may still voluntarily negotiate siting agreements
- Battery storage projects filing initial interconnection requests before July 1, 2030 will be subject to local ordinances in effect on July 1, 2026
Legislative Description
Siting of battery energy storage projects; commercial solar photovoltaic generation facilities.
Last Action
Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026
3/10/2026
Committee Referrals
Counties, Cities and Towns2/4/2026
Local Government1/13/2026
Full Bill Text
No bill text available