Committee pulls bill on battery‑charged perimeter fences for language fixes

Scott Flippo (District 23) presented House Bill 1406 to establish uniform statewide standards for battery‑charged perimeter fences, describing them as tools used by industries to deter theft at sites such as rail yards and construction sites. He outlined proposed requirements including a maximum fence height of 10 feet, an external non‑electric perimeter fence of at least 5 feet, and warning signage.

Committee members raised technical and scope questions: senators asked about the voltage and mechanisms (a 12‑volt DC battery was discussed), whether the charged portion would extend to the ground, and whether the bill would unintentionally restrict common agricultural or cattle fencing. Lucas Hargraves, identified as a system representative, said the charged systems are solar powered and surrounded by an uncharged perimeter fence and that the charged elements run from near ground level to the top of the fence. He also described the systems as generally well marked.

Several members expressed concern that the bill's language could inadvertently capture ordinary agricultural fencing or place burdens on property owners. In response, the chair said he would pull the bill to refine the language to ensure it does not impose unintended restrictions on rural or agricultural users and asked proponents to verify details before returning the bill to committee.

No committee vote to advance the bill occurred; the bill was pulled for revision and will be returned later with clarified language.