SB 540-FN (2026): relative to plug-in solar generation systems.

SB 540-FN (2026)

relative to plug-in solar generation systems.

• 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: 262

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 8, 2026. The committee voted unanimously, 5–0, to recommend that the Senate pass it with changes (amendment 2026-0511s), and the report was placed on the consent calendar. The committee's amendment (2026-0511s) was adopted on a voice vote on February 19, 2026, changing the text of the bill. On February 19, 2026 the Senate voted to pass it with changes on a voice vote, then referred it on to the Senate Finance committee. The committee voted unanimously, 6–0, to recommend that the Senate pass it, and the report was placed on the consent calendar. On March 12, 2026 the Senate voted to pass it 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 89 people signed in online: 88 in support and 1 as neutral. The committee met in executive session on April 13, 2026 to vote on its recommendation. The majority recommended that the House pass it with changes (amendment 2026-1452h), and the minority recommended that the House kill it, by a vote of 16–1. The report was placed on the regular calendar. The committee's amendment (2026-1452h) 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 division vote 293–43. On April 23, 2026 the bill was referred to the Finance committee, whose chair waived the referral under House Rule 47(f). On May 7, 2026 the Senate voted to agree to the other chamber's changes on a voice vote, on a motion by Sen. Howard Pearl. An enrolled bill amendment (2026-2020e) was adopted on a voice vote on May 21, 2026. These correct technical errors found after passage. The bill was enrolled on June 4, 2026 — the final check of the text before it goes to the governor — and an enrolled bill amendment (2026-2020e) was adopted on a voice vote to correct technical errors found after passage. The governor signed it on July 2, 2026, making it Chapter 262 of the session laws.

Sponsors

• Sen. David Watters (D - SD4) (prime sponsor)
• Sen. Debra Altschiller (D - SD24)
• Sen. Kevin Avard (R - SD12)
• Rep. Kat McGhee (D - Hills 35)
• Sen. Keith Murphy (R - SD16)
• Sen. Howard Pearl (R - SD17)
• Sen. Rebecca Perkins Kwoka (D - SD21)
• Sen. Cindy Rosenwald (D - SD13)

Hearings and Sessions

• January 8, 2026, 1:30 PM: hearing, Senate Energy and Natural Resources, SH 103
• February 19, 2026: consent calendar, Senate
• March 12, 2026: consent calendar, Senate
• April 6, 2026, 1:00 PM: 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 7, 2026: floor debate, Senate

Votes

• February 19, 2026, Senate: Ought to Pass with Amendment #2026-0511s — voice vote, passed
• March 12, 2026, Senate: Ought to Pass — voice vote, passed
• April 23, 2026, House: Ought to Pass with Amendment 2026-1452h — yeas 293, nays 43, passed
• May 7, 2026, Senate: Concur with the House Amendment — voice vote, passed

The Docket

Laws It Would Change

• RSA 362-A:1-a
• RSA 362-A
• RSA 155-A
• RSA 374
• RSA 362-A:9

From the General Court

• Bill text
• Bill status page
• Docket
• SJ 1
• SC 6
• SJ 4
• SC 9
• SJ 6
• HJ 8, page 114
• HJ 11, pages 71 and 72
• SJ 11
• HJ 14, page 37
• SJ 14
• HJ 15, page 45
• House Calendar 16, 2026, committee report