RÉSUMÉ DIGEST
ACT 349 (SB 344) 2020 Regular Session Johns
New 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.
Provides that a "battery-charged fence" does not mean an electrically charged fence used for
agriculture or animal containment purposes.
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".
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)