SB 538-FN (2026): extending net metering eligibility terms for municipal energy projects.

SB 538-FN (2026)

extending net metering eligibility terms for municipal energy projects.

• Status: Signed into law
• Term: 2025-2026
• House committee: Science, Technology and Energy
• Senate committee: Energy and Natural Resources
• Subject: Energy and Utilities
• Chapter law: 315

The Story

It was introduced on January 7, 2026 and referred to the Senate Energy and Natural Resources committee. The committee held a public hearing on January 13, 2026. The committee voted unanimously, 4–0, to recommend that the Senate pass it with changes (amendment 2026-1001s), and the report was placed on the consent calendar. The committee's amendment (2026-1001s) was adopted on a voice vote on March 12, 2026, changing the text of the bill. On March 12, 2026 the Senate voted to pass it with changes on a voice vote and ordered it to a third reading. It crossed to the House on March 12, 2026 and was referred to the House Science, Technology and Energy committee. The committee held a public hearing on April 6, 2026, with 96 people signed in online: 96 in support. The committee met in executive session on April 13, 2026 to vote on its recommendation. The committee voted unanimously, 18–0, to recommend that the House pass it with changes (amendment 2026-1453h), and the report was placed on the regular calendar. The committee's amendment (2026-1453h) was adopted on a voice vote on April 23, 2026, changing the text of the bill. A floor amendment (2026-1578h), offered by Rep. Vose, was adopted on a voice vote on April 23, 2026, changing the text of the bill. On April 23, 2026 the House voted to pass it with changes on a voice vote. On April 23, 2026 the bill was referred to the Finance committee. The committee held a work session on May 4, 2026. The committee met in executive session on May 5, 2026 to vote on its recommendation. The committee voted unanimously, 24–0, to recommend that the House pass it, and the report was placed on the regular calendar. On May 14, 2026 the House voted to pass it on a voice vote. On May 14, 2026 the Senate voted to reject the other chamber's changes on a voice vote, on a motion by Sen. Kevin Avard. On May 21, 2026 the House adopted “House Accedes to Senate Request for CofC (Reps. Vose, Weyler)” on a voice vote. On June 4, 2026 the House adopted the conference report (2026-2072c) on a voice vote. On June 4, 2026 the Senate adopted the conference report (2026-2072c) on a voice vote. The bill was enrolled on June 4, 2026 — the final check of the text before it goes to the governor. The governor signed it on July 10, 2026, making it Chapter 315 of the session laws. It took effect on September 8, 2026.

Sponsors

• Sen. David Watters (D - SD4) (prime sponsor)
• Sen. Debra Altschiller (D - SD24)
• Sen. Kevin Avard (R - SD12)
• Sen. Donovan Fenton (D - SD10)
• Sen. Pat Long (D - SD20)
• Sen. Rebecca Perkins Kwoka (D - SD21)
• Sen. Suzanne Prentiss (D - SD5)
• Sen. Cindy Rosenwald (D - SD13)

Hearings and Sessions

• January 13, 2026, 9:20 AM: hearing, Senate Energy and Natural Resources, SH 103
• March 12, 2026: consent calendar, Senate
• April 6, 2026, 9:30 AM: public hearing, House Science, Technology and Energy, GP 229
• April 13, 2026, 9:00 AM: executive session, House Science, Technology and Energy, GP 229
• April 23, 2026: floor debate, House
• May 4, 2026, 10:00 AM: work session, House Finance, GP 230
• May 5, 2026, 10:30 AM: executive session, House Finance, GP 230
• May 14, 2026: floor debate, House
• May 21, 2026: floor debate, House
• May 26, 2026, 12:00 PM: committee of conference, GP 154

Votes

• March 12, 2026, Senate: Ought to Pass with Amendment #2026-1001s — voice vote, passed
• April 23, 2026, House: Ought to Pass with Amendment 2026-1453h and 2026-1578h — voice vote, passed
• May 14, 2026, House: Ought to Pass — voice vote, passed
• May 14, 2026, Senate: Nonconcur with the House Amendment; Requests C of C — voice vote, passed
• May 21, 2026, House: House Accedes to Senate Request for CofC (Reps. Vose, Weyler) — voice vote, passed
• June 4, 2026, House: Adopt Conference Committee Report — voice vote, passed
• June 4, 2026, Senate: Adopt Conference Committee Report — voice vote, passed

The Docket

Laws It Would Change

• RSA 362-A:9

From the General Court

• Bill text
• Bill status page
• Docket
• SJ 1
• SC 9
• SJ 6
• HJ 8, page 114
• HJ 11, pages 70 and 71
• HC 19, page 24
• HJ 13, page 96
• SJ 13
• HJ 14, page 22
• HC 22
• HJ 15, pages 3 and 56
• SJ 14
• SJ 15
• House Calendar 16, 2026, committee report