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Minnesota House Unanimously Backs Renaming Community Solar Gardens for Melissa Hortman

The proposal still requires Senate approval followed by the governor's signature.

Overview

  • The House approved the measure on March 12 in a unanimous vote to honor the former speaker emerita.
  • Hortman wrote the 2013 law that launched the program, which lets subscribers share a solar array and receive bill credits.
  • Supporters cite predictable rates, potential bill savings, more renewable energy, and thousands of solar jobs tied to the program.
  • Hortman, her husband Mark, and their dog were killed in June 2025; suspect Vance Boelter has pleaded not guilty after a federal indictment that could carry the death penalty.
  • The criminal case continues with a status hearing set for April 17, as lawmakers pursue stronger security at the state capitol complex.