H4685
An Act requiring local approval for battery storage facility permitting
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- Passed House
- Passed Senate
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- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill requires local municipalities to approve permits for battery storage facilities. Currently, these facilities may be permitted without local input. The bill aims to give local governments a greater voice in the placement of these facilities and to ensure they align with local planning and zoning regulations. It establishes a process for local review and potential penalties for noncompliance.
Key provisions
- Requires local municipalities to approve permits for battery storage facilities.
- Establishes a process for local governments to review proposed battery storage facility locations.
- Defines penalties for noncompliance with local permitting requirements.
- Addresses potential conflicts between state-level permitting and local zoning regulations.
Who is affected
- Local municipalities
- Battery storage facility developers
- Property owners
- Regional governments
Notable changes
- Changes current permitting processes for battery storage facilities.
- Introduces a requirement for local government input and approval.
- Potentially creates a framework for addressing local concerns regarding battery storage facilities.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Kelly W. Pease
Cosponsors
David Allen Robertson
David F. DeCoste
Homar Gómez
John C. Velis
Arguments in favor
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Bill H.4685 194th (Current)
An Act requiring local approval for battery storage facility permitting
By Representative Pease of Westfield, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Kelly W. Pease and Lindsay N. Sabadosa relative to battery storage facility permitting and penalties for noncompliance. Municipalities and Regional Government.
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Bill Information
Bill Information
Presenter: Kelly W. Pease
Tabs
Bill History Petitioners Committee Vote Committee Summary
Bill History
Displaying 7 actions for Bill H.4685
| Date | Branch | Action |
| 4/24/2025 | House | Referred to the committee on House Rules |
| 10/23/2025 | House | Reported, referred to the committee on Joint Rules, reported, rules suspended and referred to the committee on Municipalities and Regional Government |
| 10/30/2025 | Senate | Senate concurred |
| 11/17/2025 | Joint | Hearing scheduled for 11/17/2025 from 10:00 AM-05:00 PM in Written Testimony Only |
| 2/17/2026 | House | Reporting date extended to Wednesday, March 18, 2026 |
| House | Reported by committee to Clerk’s Office for processing, will accompany a study order | |
| 4/13/2026 | House | Accompanied a study order, see H5353 (under House Rule 27) |
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An Act requiring local approval for battery storage facility permitting
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