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WashingtonHB 16882025-2026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Concerning electric security alarm systems.

Sponsored By: Lisa Parshley (Democratic)

Became Law

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 4 mixed.

Safety and installation rules for electric alarms

The law sets safety and setup rules for these systems. The energizer must use a battery of 12 volts DC or less and meet IEC 60335-2-76 limits as of January 1, 2025. Post “Warning: Electric Fence” signs every 30 feet. Install the alarm at 10 feet high, or at least two feet above the perimeter barrier, whichever is greater. Include a first-responder shutoff device if your city or county uses one. A perimeter barrier at least 5 feet tall must surround the system. Cities may require permits for new fences or walls and apply fence codes to those barriers, but cannot add extra conditions tied to the alarm installation.

What properties and alarms are covered

An electric security alarm is an outdoor system that uses a wired structure and an electric charge to send an intrusion signal. Covered sites are manufacturing, commercial, or industrial lots used to store vehicles, equipment, materials, freight, or utility items outdoors. The lot cannot abut a K–12 school and cannot include residential or hospitality uses. Small outdoor retail displays that take up 10% or less of the lot are not counted. Burglar and fire alarms are not covered by this law and follow their own rules.

Where electric security alarms are allowed

The law allows electric security alarm systems in cities or counties that have no local rules on them. They must be allowed on any allowed or legally nonconforming outdoor storage property. Local governments cannot treat these systems as ordinary fences unless their fence code specifically regulates electric security alarms. If your city or county already regulates or bans them, those local rules control. Existing systems installed before a new local rule can keep operating if they meet the law’s safety and installation rules. Any new local rule must include “electric security alarm” in the title and get two public hearings before a vote.

Local licenses for alarm operators

Your city or county may require the same license or permit for electric alarm operators that it uses for other security alarms. The law does not create a new state license.

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Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Lisa Parshley

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • Davina Duerr

    Democratic • House

  • Joe Timmons

    Democratic • House

  • Julia Reed

    Democratic • House

  • Natasha Hill

    Democratic • House

  • Timm Ormsby

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 239 • No: 3

Senate vote • 4/4/2025

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 45 • No: 3 • Other: 1

House vote • 3/6/2025

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 97 • No: 0 • Other: 1

House vote • 3/6/2025

Final Passage on Reconsideration

Yes: 97 • No: 0 • Other: 1

Actions Timeline

  1. Effective date 7/27/2025.

    4/16/2025House

  2. Chapter 67, 2025 Laws.

    4/16/2025House

  3. Governor signed.

    4/16/2025legislature

  4. Delivered to Governor.

    4/11/2025legislature

  5. President signed.

    4/10/2025legislature

  6. Speaker signed.

    4/9/2025legislature

  7. Third reading, passed; yeas, 45; nays, 3; absent, 0; excused, 1.

    4/4/2025House

  8. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    4/4/2025House

  9. Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.

    3/26/2025House

  10. Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.

    3/25/2025House

  11. Minority; without recommendation.

    3/24/2025House

  12. LGV - Majority; do pass.

    3/24/2025House

  13. First reading, referred to Local Government.

    3/10/2025House

  14. Vote on third reading will be reconsidered.

    3/6/2025House

  15. Returned to second reading for amendment.

    3/6/2025House

  16. Third reading, passed; yeas, 97; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 1.

    3/6/2025House

  17. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    3/6/2025House

  18. Floor amendment(s) adopted.

    3/6/2025House

  19. 1st substitute bill substituted.

    3/6/2025House

  20. Rules Committee relieved of further consideration. Placed on second reading.

    3/4/2025House

  21. Referred to Rules 2 Review.

    2/18/2025House

  22. LG - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.

    2/14/2025House

  23. LG - Executive action taken by committee.

    2/14/2025House

  24. First reading, referred to Local Government.

    1/29/2025House

  25. Introduced

    1/29/2025House

Bill Text

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