Providing for the installation of electrified security systems on commercial entities' property and property in exclusive nonresidential use.
Summary
HB1871 authorizes commercial entities and entities operating property in exclusive nonresidential use to install electrified security systems on their property, subject to detailed safety and placement requirements. The bill defines an electrified security system as an outdoor alarm system with battery-charged components, a monitored alarm device, and an energizer, and it excludes fence systems used primarily for livestock or animal containment.
To qualify, the system must comply with the International Electrotechnical Commission standard 60335-2-76, use a commercial storage battery not exceeding 12 volts DC, be tied to a monitored alarm company rather than directly to law enforcement, and be installed behind a nonelectrified perimeter barrier of specified height and setback. The system must also be marked with warning signs, and installers must notify the municipality of the installation. Municipalities may require registration and may prohibit systems that do not meet the act’s requirements.
Impact
The bill creates a new statewide framework governing when and how electrified security systems may be installed on nonresidential commercial and industrial property, preempting local regulation only to the extent municipalities cannot ban compliant systems. It also directs the Department of Labor and Industry to administer the standard and allows it to adopt later editions of the referenced international standard by regulation, while requiring legislative committee notice. The act would affect commercial property owners, industrial entities, alarm installers, monitoring companies, and municipalities, and it expressly does not apply to certain alarm-device provisions in the Crimes Code or to systems not attached to an electrified security fence.
Sentiment
The bill appears to have received mixed but ultimately favorable consideration. It advanced out of the House Commerce Committee on a narrow 14-12 vote, passed the House floor by a one-vote margin on initial consideration, then later passed final House passage by a somewhat wider but still divided 107-95 vote. The close votes suggest substantial support among proponents of expanded security options for businesses, alongside significant reservations from opponents.
Contention
The main points of contention appear to be whether electrified security systems should be permitted at all, how much local control municipalities should retain, and whether the safety standards are sufficient. Supporters likely view the bill as a property-protection measure for commercial and nonresidential users, while opponents may be concerned about public safety, the risk of injury, and the potential for misuse or neighborhood impacts. The amendments reflected in the bill text also suggest debate over narrowing the bill to nonresidential uses, clarifying that systems may not directly contact law enforcement, and specifying technical standards and setback requirements.
A bill for an act relating to the authority of counties and cities to regulate the installation or use of battery-charged security alarm systems on nonresidential properties.(Formerly HSB 659.)
A bill for an act relating to the authority of counties and cities to regulate the installation or use of battery-charged security alarm systems on nonresidential properties.(See HF 2516.)
A bill for an act relating to the authority of counties and cities to regulate the installation or use of battery-charged security alarm systems on nonresidential properties.(See SF 2340.)
A bill for an act relating to the authority of counties and cities to regulate the installation or use of battery-charged security alarm systems on nonresidential properties. (Formerly SSB 3112.) Effective date: 07/01/2026.