State Rep. Cynthia Neeley (D-Flint) stands next to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer after Whitmer signed House Bill 4318 into law at the Michigan State Capitol on Wednesday, Sept., 27, 2023.

LANSING, Mich., Sept. 29, 2023 — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed House Bills 4317 and 4318 into law this week. Together, these bills created the Solar Energy Facilities Taxation Act. 

HB 4317 creates solar energy districts within qualified local governmental units. These districts would be issued a solar energy exemption certificate for qualified solar energy facilities not yet placed in these districts. Facilities with approved certificates would be exempt from some property taxes under the General Property Tax Act. HB3 4318, sponsored by state Rep. Cynthia Neeley (D-Flint), chair of the Tax Policy Committee, would amend the General Property Tax Act to make the necessary implementations for these tax exemptions. After the signing event, Neeley issued the following statement:

These bills are a milestone and are the beginning momentum toward becoming a 100% carbon-neutral state. The bills are in line with our priorities, while encouraging a more innovative and cost-effective way to implement the next generation of energy efficiency. I am so happy my bill became law, and I am excited for the positive impacts it will have on our beautiful state.