ESHB 1688
SignedHouse
Electric security alarms
Concerning electric security alarm systems.
How does a bill become law?
- Introduced: The bill is filed and assigned a number.
- Committee: A subject-matter committee holds hearings, takes public testimony, and decides whether to advance the bill.
- Floor Vote: The full chamber (House or Senate) debates and votes on the bill.
- Opposite Chamber: The bill repeats the committee and floor vote process in the other chamber.
- Governor: The Governor reviews the bill and decides whether to sign or veto it.
- Signed: The bill has been signed into law.
AI Analysis
This bill creates a statewide default rule permitting electric security alarm systems on outdoor storage properties where local governments have not enacted their own rules, with specific safety and operational requirements. It ensures such systems are not regulated as fences unless explicitly addressed in local codes and gives first responders a way to shut them down in emergencies.
- Establishes a statewide default rule allowing electric security alarm systems on outdoor storage properties in areas where local governments have not adopted their own rules.
- Sets safety and technical requirements: systems must use ≤12-volt batteries, include warning signs every 30 feet, be no taller than 10 feet (or 2 feet above existing fence/wall), and include a first-responder deactivation feature.
- Requires a minimum 5-foot-tall non-electric perimeter fence or wall around the alarm system, with permits allowed for new fences/walls but no additional conditions imposed.
- Prohibits local governments from regulating electric security alarm systems as fences unless their fence codes specifically address them.
- Requires local governments that adopt new regulations after the bill’s effective date to include 'electric security alarm' in the title and hold two public hearings before final adoption.
- Allows existing systems installed before a local ban to continue operating if they meet the new statewide safety standards.
Who is affected
- Industrial and commercial property owners — Businesses that operate outdoor storage facilities (e.g., car dealerships, equipment rental yards, shipping terminals) can now install electric security alarm systems in areas where local governments have not set their own rules, helping protect against theft and vandalism.
- Local governments — Local governments (cities, towns, and counties) gain authority to regulate or prohibit electric security alarm systems, but must follow specific procedures—including public hearings—if they adopt new rules after the bill takes effect.
- First responders (police, fire, EMS) — First responders gain the ability to deactivate electric security alarm systems during emergencies, improving safety during responses to incidents on or near alarm-equipped properties.
Pro/Con Analysis
Stronger case for benefits
Potential Benefits (5)
Mandating a first-responder deactivation feature improves emergency response safety—fire, police, and EMS can disable the system during rescue or pursuit operations, reducing risk of injury or delayed response due to electric fence interference.
Public SafetyPeopleRef: Sec. 2(1)(c)(iv), Sec. 3(1)(c)(iv), Sec. 4(1)(c)(iv)Prohibiting local governments from regulating electric security alarm systems as fences (unless explicitly addressed in local fence codes) prevents inconsistent or overbroad application of fence regulations to a distinct technology, reducing regulatory confusion and legal uncertainty for property owners.
Local GovernmentLean peopleRef: Sec. 2(1)(a), Sec. 3(1)(a), Sec. 4(1)(a)By allowing electric security alarm systems on outdoor storage properties where local governments have not adopted their own rules, the bill helps protect commercial assets (e.g., vehicles, equipment, inventory) from theft and vandalism—benefiting small-to-mid-sized businesses that rely on outdoor storage and may lack robust security infrastructure.
Business & EmploymentPeopleRef: Sec. 2(1)(b), Sec. 3(1)(b), Sec. 4(1)(b)Requiring local governments to include “electric security alarm” in the title of new ordinances and hold two public hearings before adoption promotes transparency and public input—though it adds administrative burden, it also ensures community awareness and accountability in local regulation.
Local GovernmentRef: Sec. 2(2)(b), Sec. 3(2)(b), Sec. 4(2)(b)Height limits (10 feet or 2 feet above existing barrier) and the requirement for a 5-foot non-electric perimeter fence help reduce visual obstruction and limit the risk of entanglement or climbing—though not eliminating risk, these design standards mitigate potential hazards to wildlife and unauthorized climbers.
Public SafetyLean peopleRef: Sec. 2(1)(c)(iii), Sec. 3(1)(c)(iii), Sec. 4(1)(c)(iii)
Potential Concerns (5)
The bill permits electric security alarm systems with up to 12-volt energizers on outdoor storage properties, which, while low-voltage, still pose a risk of injury to unauthorized individuals (e.g., trespassers, children, or animals) who may come into contact with the system—particularly in rural or unmonitored areas where warning signs may be damaged or obscured.
Public SafetyRef: Sec. 2(1)(d), Sec. 3(1)(d), Sec. 4(1)(d)The requirement for warning signs every 30 feet may be insufficient in large, unlit, or vegetated outdoor storage lots, potentially failing to provide adequate notice to the general public—including children, joggers, or delivery personnel—about the presence of an electric fence, increasing risk of accidental contact.
Public SafetyRef: Sec. 2(1)(c)(ii), Sec. 3(1)(c)(ii), Sec. 4(1)(c)(ii)The bill allows pre-existing electric alarm systems to continue operating if they meet the new statewide safety standards, but does not require retroactive upgrades or inspections—meaning older, potentially noncompliant systems may remain in place without oversight, increasing long-term safety risks.
Public SafetyRef: Sec. 2(2)(c), Sec. 3(2)(c), Sec. 4(2)(c)While the bill allows local governments to require alarm system operator licenses or permits, it does not provide state funding to support the administrative burden of issuing and enforcing such permits, potentially imposing unfunded mandates on local governments—especially smaller counties and towns with limited resources.
Local GovernmentRef: Sec. 2(1)(e), Sec. 3(1)(e), Sec. 4(1)(e)The bill’s definition of “outdoor storage property” excludes mixed-use zones unless they are *not* outdoor storage properties—meaning some mixed-use developments (e.g., live-work units with vehicle storage) may be unable to install electric security systems, potentially reducing property owners’ ability to secure their premises in increasingly dense urban areas.
HousingRef: Sec. 2(1)(b), Sec. 3(1)(b), Sec. 4(1)(b)
Who Is Most Affected
Commercial property owners (e.g., car dealerships, equipment rental yards) gain the ability to install electric security systems in unregulated areas, improving asset protection and potentially lowering insurance premiums or theft-related losses. However, they must comply with new technical and permitting requirements.
Local governments gain procedural clarity and authority to regulate electric alarm systems, but must absorb administrative costs for permits and hearings. The bill also limits their ability to ban such systems outright unless they adopt new, specific ordinances—reducing local discretion in some cases.
First responders gain a critical safety tool—the ability to deactivate electric alarm systems during emergencies—reducing response time and risk of injury. However, they may face increased liability if systems remain active due to failure to deactivate, or if deactivation equipment is not standardized across jurisdictions.
Rural and suburban residents near outdoor storage facilities may benefit from reduced theft and vandalism spillover, but could face increased safety risks if electric fences are poorly maintained or warning signs are missing or obscured.
Alarm system installers and security firms may see increased demand for installation, maintenance, and permit processing services. However, they must comply with new technical standards and local permitting requirements, potentially increasing operational costs.