Bill would set minimum rules for electric security alarm fences while allowing local regulation

House Bill 1688, as presented to the Senate Local Government Committee, would require local governments without existing regulations addressing electric security alarm systems to allow such systems on outdoor storage property subject to installation, perimeter barrier and other conditions.

Committee staff said electric security alarm systems are deterrent systems that deliver a small electrical shock and that national standards require installation behind a non‑electric perimeter barrier and connection to an alarm device. The bill would exempt burglar alarms and fire alarms and allow local governments to continue to regulate or prohibit electric security alarm systems so long as they meet certain statutory requirements; local governments could require an alarm‑system operator license or permit.

“I'm here requesting your support,” Keith Kaneko of AMAROK and Charlie Brown of the industry trade organization told the committee, saying the bill reflects compromise between industry and cities and does not include preemption. Representative Parsley, the bill sponsor, described stakeholder engagement and said the fence voltage is comparable to a 12‑volt battery and that the systems can produce more immediate alarm signals than some motion detectors.

Commerce’s fiscal note described an indeterminate local impact depending on whether jurisdictions adopt simple ordinances or implement detailed standards. No committee vote occurred during the public hearing portion of the meeting.