1. (a)

   1. (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.

   2. (2)

      1. (i) “Battery-charged fence security system” means an alarm security system that includes a fence, a battery-operated energizer connected to the fence and intended to periodically deliver voltage impulses to the fence, a battery-charging device used exclusively to charge the battery, and any other ancillary components and attached equipment.

      2. (ii) “Battery-charged fence security system” does not include:

         1. 1. deer fencing;
         2. 2. livestock fencing; or
         3. 3. a wireless security system as defined in § 19-901 of this subtitle.
   3. (3) “Deer fencing” means fencing that is engineered to exclude or contain deer or elk.

2. (b) This section applies only to a battery-charged fence security system that:

   1. (1) interfaces with a monitored alarm device in a manner that enables the alarm system to transmit a signal intended to alert the owner of the battery-charged fence security system or law enforcement;

   2. (2) has an energizer that:

      1. (i) is powered by a commercial storage battery that provides not more than 12 volts of direct current; and
      2. (ii) meets the standards set forth in the International Electrotechnical Commission Standard 60335-2-76, current edition;

   3. (3) is located:

      1. (i) behind a nonelectric perimeter fence or wall that is at least 5 feet tall; and
      2. (ii) on property that is not zoned as residential use only;
   4. (4) is not taller than 10 feet or 2 feet taller than the height of the perimeter fence or wall, whichever is taller; and
   5. (5) is marked with warning signs posted conspicuously on the fence at 30-foot intervals that state: “warning--electric fence”.

3. (c)

   1. (1) A local government may:

      1. (i) require a person who provides a battery-charged fence security system to comply with a local alarm ordinance or obtain an alarm business registration or permit;
      2. (ii) require a person who operates or causes to be operated a battery-charged fence security system to comply with a local alarm ordinance or obtain an alarm system registration or permit;

      3. (iii) require an installer, on completion of a newly installed battery-charged fence security system, to submit to the local government an affidavit that includes:

         1. 1. the address of the installation;
         2. 2. the name of the installer;
         3. 3. the date of the installation; and
         4. 4. an affirmation that the criteria in subsection (b) of this section are satisfied; and
      4. (iv) inspect the newly-installed battery-charged fence security system after receipt of an affidavit under item (iii) of this paragraph, if required.

   2. (2) If, following an inspection conducted by a local government under paragraph (1)(iv) of this subsection, a battery-charged fence security system fails to comply with the criteria required under subsection (b) of this section, a local government may:

      1. (i) issue a citation:

         1. 1. describing the specific noncompliance; and
         2. 2. requiring that the battery-charged fence security system be made compliant within a time period required by the local government; and
      2. (ii) impose, if a battery-charged fence security system is not made compliant, a fine not exceeding $500.

   3. (3) A local government may not:

      1. (i) impose additional installation or operational requirements;
      2. (ii) require a person described in paragraph (1) of this subsection to obtain an electrical permit;
      3. (iii) prohibit the use of a battery-charged fence security system that is intended to be used for security; or
      4. (iv) require additional permits or fees other than those described in paragraph (1) of this subsection.
4. (d) Battery-charged fence security systems are not exempt from Title 18 of the Business Occupations and Professions Article.

Added by Acts 2021, c. 407, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2021; Acts 2021, c. 408, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2021.