HB226 Alabama 2020 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Reed IngramRepresentative

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2020

Title

Alarm system, battery charged fences, defined, counties and mun. authority limited

Summary

HB226 defines a battery-charged fence connected to an alarm system and limits how local governments can regulate such fences, with an exemption for agricultural or animal containment uses.

What This Bill Does

It creates a clear definition of a battery-charged fence, including how it connects to an alarm system, required heights, battery power, warning signs, and placement on non-residential property. It restricts municipalities and counties from imposing extra permits or fees, or from creating installation rules that conflict with these standards, and it bars banning the installation or use of these fences. It does not apply to fences used for agricultural or animal containment, and it allows existing business license fees for installers. The act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after passage and approval.

Who It Affects

• Municipalities and counties would have limited regulatory authority over battery-charged fences, including no extra permit/fee requirements, no conflicting installation rules, and no prohibition on installation.
• Property owners or businesses installing battery-charged fences on non-residential properties would follow the defined standards without additional local permits or fees.
• Agricultural or animal containment operations are exempt from the act and not subject to its requirements.

Key Provisions

• Defines 'battery-charged fence' as a monitored alarm-connected fence energized by a commercial storage battery (≤12 volts DC) with specific interfaces, height requirements, and warning signage.
• Requires the fence to be located on property not designated exclusively for residential use and to be accompanied by non-electric fencing that is at least five feet high, with the electric fence itself at least 10 feet tall and at least two feet higher than the non-electric perimeter.
• Requires conspicuous 'WARNING-ELECTRIC FENCE' signs at intervals no greater than 40 feet.
• Prohibits municipalities/counties from requiring extra permits or fees for the fence, and from imposing installation or operational rules inconsistent with the act; they cannot prohibit installation.
• Excludes fences used for agricultural or animal containment from the act's requirements.
• Allows jurisdictions to charge a business license for installers as provided by existing law; the act does not bar such licensing.
• Effective date: the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Alarms