HB20-1129 Summary

• Defines a "battery-charged fence" as a fence connected to an alarm system powered by a commercial storage battery providing no more than 12 volts of direct current and meeting International Electrotechnical Commission Standard 60335-2-76.

• Restricts battery-charged fences to property not zoned exclusively for residential use, requires a surrounding nonelectric perimeter fence at least 5 feet high, limits fence height to 10 feet or 2 feet above the perimeter fence (whichever is higher), and mandates warning signs at 40-foot intervals reading "WARNING-ELECTRIC FENCE".

• Prohibits local governments from charging permit or inspection fees for battery-charged fences except standard alarm system permit fees charged for other alarm systems.

• Prohibits local governments from banning battery-charged fences for security purposes or imposing installation or operational requirements that exceed or conflict with the standards specified in the bill.

• Takes effect 12:01 a.m. the day after the 90-day period following final adjournment of the general assembly (August 5, 2020), or if subjected to referendum petition, upon approval by voters at the November 2020 general election.