BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 3371

By: Darby

Land & Resource Management

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

It has been asserted that the patchwork of local security regulations and permitting processes related to certain battery-charged fences have undermined the ability of businesses to protect their assets and property. H.B. 3371 seeks to create a consistent regulatory framework for businesses to secure their assets safely and effectively by prohibiting the adoption or enforcement of certain local regulations pertaining to these fences.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

ANALYSIS

H.B. 3371 amends the Local Government Code to prohibit a municipality or county from adopting or enforcing an ordinance, order, or regulation that:

· requires a permit for the installation or use of a battery-charged fence located on property not designated for residential use and meeting certain other prescribed standards that is in addition to an alarm system permit issued by the municipality or county;

· imposes installation or operational requirements for the fence that are inconsistent with those prescribed standards; or

· prohibits the installation or use of such a fence.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2019.