Manley Passes Law to Improve Security Options for Local Businesses

ROMEOVILLE, Ill. – Under a new law spearheaded by state Rep. Natalie Manley, D-Joliet, businesses will be able to protect their property more easily and affordably when installing battery-charged electrical fencing on commercial properties, such as storefronts or warehouses.

“With the troubles of varying local zoning laws, many businesses found themselves at a stalemate when wanting to better protect their commercial properties. By removing the need to apply for a permit when building a battery-charged electrical fence, businesses can install these security measures faster without the bureaucratic holdups,” said Manley.

House Bill 2154 will revoke a past permit requirement and will allow businesses to build an electric fence if the fence is on commercial property and is already surrounded by a regular, non- electric fence or wall. Battery-charged fences cannot be higher than 10 feet or 2 feet higher than its surrounding nonelectric fence.

To safeguard public safety, businesses will be required to have clear warning signs every 30 feet indicating that an electric fence is present and must meet safety standards set by the International Electrotechnical Commission.

“House Bill 2154 will streamline the tedious zoning codes that differ between local government into one rule of thumb,” said Manley. “This commonsense law will strike a fair balance between businesses wanting to deter theft or vandalism while still keeping the community safe through effective safety standards.”