HB226 Summary

• Defines "battery-charged fence" as an alarm system component with a fence and battery-powered energizer (maximum 12 volts) that produces short electric pulses and interfaces with monitored alarm devices to alert law enforcement or businesses of intrusion or burglary.

• Establishes eight technical requirements for battery-charged fences including: at least 10 feet in height, 2 feet higher than a surrounding nonelectric perimeter fence (minimum 5 feet), compliance with International Electrotechnical Commission standards, and warning signs reading "WARNING-ELECTRIC FENCE" posted at 40-foot intervals.

• Prohibits municipalities and counties from requiring permits or fees for battery-charged fences beyond standard alarm system permits, imposing inconsistent installation or operational requirements, or banning the fences outright.

• Exempts battery-charged fences used for agricultural or animal containment purposes from all requirements.

• Permits municipalities to charge business licenses for persons or businesses installing battery-charged fences and becomes effective three months after passage and approval.