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House Bill 2154 prohibits local governments from requiring a
permit before installing a battery-charged fence on
nonresidential property. The measure, if enacted, would apply to
both electrified fencing for agricultural use and electrified
security fencing to prevent trespassing.
Opponents say they worry the legislature is stepping on local
governments' toes.
Some Democrats like State Sen. Patrick Joyce, D-Essex, voted
against the measure. On the Senate floor, Sen. Bill Cunningham,
D-Chicago, the bill's sponsor, pointed out union opposition to
the measure. Joyce's top donors are all labor unions.
"There were discussions on this regarding potential opposition
from a union," said Cunningham. "The parties met during the
summer and the potential difficulties the union had with
it…their questions were cleared up and they no longer had
opposition to the bill."
Sen. Steve McClure, R-Springfield, raised concerns about taking
away local control from municipalities.
"We have, the last few years, have taken away so much from local
governments. It's a serious issue and I see why the Illinois
Municipal League is opposed," said McClure.
The league opposed the measure.
The bill amends the township, county and municipal code to
ensure there are uniformed statewide standards for the
installation of battery-charged electric fences in
nonresidential areas.
Cunningham carried the bill in the Senate and said the bill also
requires warning signage on electric fences.
"This is to create uniformity across those three layers of
government," said Cunningham. "This is an effort to synchronize
across local government at the township, municipal and county
level so we have standard rules across the state."
McClure voted against the measure. Any battery-charged fence
installed under this law must have signs located on the fence
placed not less than 30 feet apart that read: "WARNING: ELECTRIC
FENCE."
"I think it's time we give more power back to the locals," said
McClure.
The bill is on Gov. J.B. Pritzker's desk. He is expected to sign
it.
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