The original instrument and the following digest, which constitutes no part of the
legislative instrument, were prepared by Jerry J. Guillot.
DIGEST
SB 344 Original 2020 Regular Session Johns
Proposed law defines "battery-charged fence" as a new or existing alarm system and ancillary
components or equipment attached to such a system, including but not limited to: a fence, a
battery-operated energizer which is intended to periodically deliver voltage impulses to the fence
connected to it, and a battery charging device used exclusively to charge the battery.
Proposed law authorizes parish and municipal governing authorities to provide, by ordinance, for
the regulation of battery-charged fences installed in their jurisdictions. Provides that such ordinances
must require that battery-charged fences meet certain requirements including but not limited to the
following:
(1)Interfaces with a monitored alarm device in a manner that enables the alarm system to
transmit a signal intended to summon law enforcement in response to an intrusion or
burglary.
(2)Is located on property that is not zoned exclusively for residential use.
(3)Has an energizer that is powered by a commercial storage battery that is not more than 12
volts of direct current.
(4)Is shorter than the higher of 10 feet or two feet higher than the height of the nonelectric
perimeter fence or wall.
(5)Is marked with conspicuous warning signs that are located on the battery-charged fence.
Proposed law prohibits a parish or municipal governing authority from enacting an ordinance that:
(1)Requires a permit or fee for the installation or use of a battery-charged fence that is in
addition to an alarm system permit.
(2)Imposes installation or operational requirements for the battery-charged fence that are
inconsistent with proposed law.
(3)Prohibits the installation or use of a battery-charged fence.
Effective August 1, 2020.
(Adds R.S. 33:1376)