SB 73
Clarifying non-agricultural status of solar farms
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Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House of Delegates
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill clarifies that solar farms in West Virginia are not considered agricultural operations or engaged in the business of farming for tax purposes. It specifically defines solar generation facilities as not qualifying as ‘agricultural operations’ under existing state law. The bill maintains that solar farms can still be classified as farm property if solar panels are located solely on farm residences, barns, or other buildings used for farming. This aims to ensure accurate property valuation and tax assessments.
Key provisions
- Defines solar generation facilities as not qualifying as ‘agricultural operations’ under state law.
- Clarifies that solar farms are not considered engaged in the business of farming.
- Allows solar generation facilities to be classified as farm property if solar panels are located on farm residences, barns, or other farming-related buildings.
- Updates definitions in Article 1A (Appraisal of Property) and Article 19 (Preservation of Agricultural Production) to include this clarification.
- Specifies that acreage used for solar generation facilities producing electricity for commercial sale or other purposes besides supporting a farm residence or farming activities, does not count as farm property.
- Reinforces that a farm's classification as farm property is maintained if solar panels are installed solely on farm residences, barns, or other farming buildings.
- Addresses the definition of ‘agricultural operation’ to exclude solar generation facilities.
Who is affected
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