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AB-738 • 2026

Energy: building standards: photovoltaic requirements.

Energy: building standards: photovoltaic requirements.

Energy
Vetoed

The latest official action shows the governor vetoed this bill. Check the bill history to see whether lawmakers later overrode that veto.

Sponsor
Tangipa
Last action
Official status
Vetoed
Effective date
Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The bill was vetoed, so it is not currently law unless the legislature overrides the veto.

Solar Rules for Disaster-Rebuilt Homes

This vetoed bill would have allowed some homeowners to rebuild disaster-damaged homes using older solar rules instead of newer ones until January 1, 2028.

What This Bill Does

  • Requires rebuilt homes in emergency areas to follow the solar panel rules that were in effect when the original home was built.
  • Stops new or stricter solar requirements from applying during repairs after a disaster.
  • Applies only if specific conditions about income, insurance coverage, location, and square footage are met.
  • Sets an end date for these special rules on January 1, 2028.

Who It Names or Affects

  • Homeowners rebuilding houses damaged or destroyed by a disaster in areas where the Governor declared a state of emergency
  • Local agencies that check if building permits meet the older solar standards

Terms To Know

Photovoltaic systems
Solar panels that turn sunlight into electricity.
State of emergency
An official declaration by the Governor when a disaster happens in an area.

Limits and Unknowns

  • The bill does not list exactly what income or insurance levels qualify for these rules.
  • It only applies to residential buildings, not businesses or other types of structures.
  • The Governor vetoed this bill, so it did not become law unless lawmakers overrode the veto.

Bill History

  1. California Legislative Information

    Vetoed

Official Summary Text

Energy: building standards: photovoltaic requirements.