SSB 5573
In CommitteeSenate
Electric security alarms
Concerning electric security alarm systems.
This status may be delayed. See Action History below for the latest updates.
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 uniform statewide standard for electric security alarm systems—low-voltage outdoor fences that send intrusion alerts—where local governments have not already set their own rules. It ensures such systems can be installed on outdoor storage properties with specific safety requirements, while preserving local authority to regulate them through formal ordinances with public input.
- Establishes a statewide baseline standard for electric security alarm systems in areas where local governments have not adopted their own rules.
- Allows electric security alarm systems on outdoor storage properties (e.g., vehicle lots, equipment yards), provided they meet safety requirements: max 12-volt battery-powered energizers, 5-foot perimeter fence, 10-foot system height, and warning signs every 30 feet.
- Requires electric security alarm systems to include a feature allowing first responders to deactivate the system during emergencies.
- Prohibits local governments from regulating these systems under generic fence codes unless the fence code specifically addresses electric security alarms.
- If a local government later adopts its own regulation, it must hold two public hearings and include “electric security alarm” in the ordinance title; existing systems installed before the ban may continue if compliant with state standards.
- Applies to cities, towns, code cities, and counties that have not already regulated electric security alarm systems.
Who is affected
- Industrial and commercial property owners with outdoor storage — Businesses that operate outdoor storage facilities (e.g., auto dealerships, equipment rental companies, marinas, construction firms) can now install electric security alarm systems in areas where local governments haven’t set specific rules, helping protect valuable vehicles, equipment, and inventory from theft.
- Local governments (cities, towns, counties) — Local governments (cities, towns, and counties) gain authority to regulate electric security alarm systems, but only if they formally adopt an ordinance with public hearings. If they don’t, the state sets baseline rules for safe, low-voltage systems.
- First responders — First responders (police, fire, EMS) gain a tool to quickly shut off electric security systems during emergencies, improving access and safety at incident scenes.
- Existing electric security system owners — Property owners who already have electric security alarm systems installed before a local ban takes effect may keep them operating, as long as they meet the state’s safety standards.
Pro/Con Analysis
Stronger case for benefits
Potential Benefits (5)
The bill explicitly allows electric security alarm systems on outdoor storage properties, enabling small and medium-sized commercial operators (e.g., auto dealerships, equipment rental firms, marinas) to protect high-value inventory from theft — a direct economic benefit to small- and mid-sized businesses that employ many Washingtonians.
Business & EmploymentPeopleRef: Sec. 2(1)(b), Sec. 3(1)(b), Sec. 4(1)(b)Mandating a first-responder deactivation feature improves emergency access and responder safety — a concrete, life-saving measure that benefits communities across the state, especially in rural or high-crime areas where theft incidents may delay emergency response.
Public SafetyPeopleRef: Sec. 2(1)(c)(iv), Sec. 3(1)(c)(iv), Sec. 4(1)(c)(iv)Warning signs every 30 feet reduce the risk of accidental contact with the system, especially for children, pets, or trespassers — a modest but meaningful public safety improvement that applies uniformly to all properties.
Public SafetyPeopleRef: Sec. 2(1)(c)(ii), Sec. 3(1)(c)(ii), Sec. 4(1)(c)(ii)Limiting systems to ≤12V battery-powered energizers with strict electrical output limits significantly reduces the risk of serious injury or death — aligning with international safety standards and protecting both the public and installers.
Public SafetyLean peopleRef: Sec. 2(1)(c)(i), Sec. 3(1)(c)(i), Sec. 4(1)(c)(i)Grandfathering pre-existing systems that comply with state standards provides regulatory certainty for existing operators — helping small businesses avoid costly retrofits or shutdowns during local rulemaking.
Business & EmploymentLean peopleRef: Sec. 2(2)(b), Sec. 3(2)(b), Sec. 4(2)(b)
Potential Concerns (5)
The bill prevents local governments from regulating electric security alarm systems under generic fence codes unless the code explicitly addresses electric fences — limiting local authority to tailor regulations to community-specific safety concerns, such as fire risk, wildlife interaction, or neighborhood aesthetics.
Local GovernmentRef: Sec. 2(1)(a), Sec. 3(1)(a), Sec. 4(1)(a)Local governments retain full authority to ban or regulate electric security alarm systems via formal ordinances, but only if they proactively adopt them; this creates a regulatory gap where systems may be installed without local input in jurisdictions that lack resources or political will to act.
Local GovernmentRef: Sec. 2(2), Sec. 3(2), Sec. 4(2)Local governments may still require alarm system operator licenses or permits, but the bill does not authorize new fees or funding to support enforcement, potentially straining limited local resources without compensation.
Local GovernmentRef: Sec. 2(1)(e), Sec. 3(1)(e), Sec. 4(1)(e)The requirement for a 5-foot perimeter barrier around the electric alarm system may increase installation costs for small businesses and property owners, especially if a new fence must be built to meet local codes — a modest but nontrivial barrier for micro-businesses or cash-strapped operators.
HousingRef: Sec. 2(1)(d), Sec. 3(1)(d), Sec. 4(1)(d)While the bill mandates a deactivation feature for first responders, it does not specify training, standardization, or verification protocols — leaving implementation inconsistent across jurisdictions and potentially undermining the intended safety benefit.
Public SafetyRef: Sec. 2(1)(c)(iv), Sec. 3(1)(c)(iv), Sec. 4(1)(c)(iv)
Who Is Most Affected
Small and mid-sized commercial operators (e.g., auto dealerships, equipment rental companies, marinas) gain explicit legal right to install affordable, low-risk security systems on high-theft-risk outdoor lots — reducing inventory loss and supporting business continuity. This directly benefits workers in these businesses by protecting jobs and revenue.
Local governments retain authority to regulate or ban systems via formal ordinances, but must proactively act — creating a potential gap in local control where systems may be installed without community input. This shifts regulatory burden to jurisdictions that lack resources to draft and implement ordinances.
First responders gain a mandatory deactivation feature that improves access and safety during emergencies — a clear, life-saving benefit. However, success depends on implementation (training, equipment, interoperability), which the bill does not mandate.
Existing system owners benefit from grandfathering provisions, avoiding costly shutdowns if local governments later adopt restrictive ordinances — but only if their systems already met the state’s safety thresholds.