Establishes the agrivoltaics viability pilot program within the farmland viability program

Latest action Jan 29, 2026

Establishes the agrivoltaics viability pilot program to provide grants to identify the best practices and strategies for agrivoltaics and dual-use solar energy projects that protect soil health during construction and decommissioning of solar arrays, utilize sustainable agricultural production practices, monitor any benefits solar energy may have on farms and to the state, track economic viability, study the commercialization of dual-use solar energy projects, and encourage equitable engagement of stakeholders.

Not chosen yet

Where it stands

Passed one of the two chambers; it still needs the other.

Introduced
In committee
Up for a vote
Passed one chamber
Passed
Enacted

New York State Senate

Same as A7584, the matching bill in the Assembly.

Amends the Public Authorities Law.

Committee

Agriculture · New York State Assembly

Also referred to Agriculture · New York State Senate, Energy · New York State Assembly, Ways and Means · New York State Assembly.

Purpose, from the sponsor's memo

To create a pilot program that will provide grants to identify best practices and strategies for construction and operation of dual-use solar energy projects on land which receives an agricultural assessment.

Filed with the bill. Read it on nysenate.gov (opens in a new tab)

Recorded votes

Vote: Committee vote · Agriculture
Senate AgricultureJan 29, 2026Result: passed
(7) (1) (0) (1)
Vote: Floor vote
NY SenateJun 10, 2025Result: passed
(48) (10) (0) (5)
Vote: Committee vote · Finance
Senate FinanceMay 13, 2025Result: passed
(22) (0) (0) (0)
Vote: Committee vote · Agriculture
Senate AgricultureApr 8, 2025Result: passed
(8) (1) (0) (0)

Cosponsors

Anna Kelles, Catalina Cruz and 4 more on Agora

Democratic6

See the full list on nysenate.gov

The sponsor's argument

Why Michelle Hinchey says this is needed

Rapid expansion of large-scale solar developments has disproportionately impacted our state's food supply by taking working farmland out of production. Dual-use solar, also known as agrivoltaics, is the practice of installing solar photovoltaic panels on farmland in such a manner that primary agricultural activities, such as animal grazing and crop production, are maintained simultaneously on that farmland. This bill establishes an Agrivoltaics Viability Pilot Program that allows for improved agricultural production under and around solar. panels. A Dual-Use Solar Energy Program would incentivize the practice of agri- volatics and prevent the conversion of solar siting that has histor- ically displaced agriculture from the landscape. This bill provides a pathway for existing farmers to transition land to an additional use while maintaining on-site agricultural activity and protecting New York. State's vulnerable farmland. Developing a program that aims to hit our CLCPA goals while ensuring that our fragile food supply is being protected is essential for the future of our state and nation's food security.

This is the sponsor's own case for the bill, quoted from their memorandum. It is not Agora's description of what the bill does.

Full history

Jan 29, 2026
Reported out of committee
REPORTED AND COMMITTED TO FINANCE
NY Senate
Jan 7, 2026
Died in Assembly
DIED IN ASSEMBLY
NY Assembly
Jan 7, 2026
Referred to committee
REFERRED TO AGRICULTURE
NY Senate
Jan 7, 2026
Referred to committee
REFERRED TO WAYS AND MEANS
NY Assembly
Jun 10, 2025
Sent to the executive
DELIVERED TO ASSEMBLY
NY Senate

Show full history (11 earlier events)

Jun 10, 2025
Passed a chamber
PASSED SENATE
NY Senate
Jun 10, 2025
Referred to committee
REFERRED TO WAYS AND MEANS
NY Assembly
May 15, 2025
Advanced to Third Reading
ADVANCED TO THIRD READING
NY Senate
May 14, 2025
2ND Report CAL.
2ND REPORT CAL.
NY Senate
May 13, 2025
1ST Report CAL.1048
1ST REPORT CAL.1048
NY Senate
May 6, 2025
Reported out of committee
REPORTED REFERRED TO WAYS AND MEANS
NY Assembly
Apr 8, 2025
Reported out of committee
REPORTED AND COMMITTED TO FINANCE
NY Senate
Apr 2, 2025
Amend and Recommit to Energy
AMEND AND RECOMMIT TO ENERGY
NY Assembly
Apr 1, 2025
Referred to committee
REFERRED TO ENERGY
NY Assembly
Mar 26, 2025
Amend and Recommit to Agriculture
AMEND AND RECOMMIT TO AGRICULTURE
NY Senate
Mar 7, 2025
Referred to committee
REFERRED TO AGRICULTURE
NY Senate

About this record

Summary: The summary comes from NY Open Legislation, the New York State Senate's public record. For more, see How we handle summaries.
Cosponsors: The list shows the cosponsors who are on Agora, A to Z. The official record may list more.
Party colors: Parties are shown in the same neutral colors.
Source: From NY Open Legislation, the NY Senate and Assembly, and official rosters. This record was last updated Nov 3, 2026. About our data

Read the record

Read on NY Senate (opens in a new tab) The official record on nysenate.gov.

Your position