The original instrument was prepared by Jerry J. Guillot. The following digest, which
does not constitute a part of the legislative instrument, was prepared by Ann S.
Brown.
DIGEST
SB 344 Reengrossed 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 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
reading "WARNING-ELECTRIC 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) Summary of Amendments Adopted by Senate
Senate Floor Amendments to engrossed bill
1. Specifies that a battery-charged fence must be the higher of 10 feet or two feet higher
than the height of a nonelectric perimeter fence or wall.
2. Removes the requirement that a battery-charged fence must be marked with
conspicuous warning signs that reads "Has an energizer that is powered by a
commercial storage battery that is not more than 12 volts of direct current".