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Bill

SB 5573

Expanding vehicle licensing options to include quarterly or semiannual registrations.

2023-2024 Regular Session Introduced by Phil Fortunato and 1 co-sponsor

Establishes a statewide standard for outdoor electric security alarms where local rules don’t exist, protecting industrial yards from theft and easing police response.

By resolution, reintroduced and retained in present status.
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 5573

Summary — SB 5573

Status note: SB 5573 has appeared in multiple sessions with different subject matter. The 2023 version proposed optional quarterly or semiannual vehicle registrations. In 2025 the bill (substitute S-1709.1) was amended into a different measure that would establish statewide standards for outdoor electric security alarm systems. This summary describes both the original 2023 vehicle-registration proposal and the 2025 substitute that is currently active.

Purpose

  • 2025 substitute: Create a statewide standard for installation and operation of outdoor electric security alarm systems where local governments have not adopted their own rules — intended to help protect industrial and commercial property from theft and reduce pressure on local police and courts.
  • 2023 original bill: Allow vehicle owners in certain areas to choose quarterly or semiannual vehicle registration (an alternative payment/registration cadence).

Key provisions — Electric security alarm (2025 substitute)

Applies to cities, code cities, and counties that have NOT adopted local ordinances regulating electric security alarm systems. Where local rules are absent, the substitute requires that such localities must allow electric security alarm systems that meet these conditions:

  • Classification and scope

    • Electric security alarm systems may not be treated or regulated as a conventional fence unless the fence code explicitly addresses electric security alarms.
    • Must be allowed on “outdoor storage property” (industrial/commercial yards that store/park equipment, vehicles, cargo, etc.) except certain mixed-use zones or properties abutting K–12 schools (definitions vary slightly by section).

  • Technical and safety requirements

    • Energizer powered by battery of no more than 12 volts DC.
    • Energizer must not produce an electric charge on contact exceeding characteristics in IEC 60335-2-76 (as of Jan 1, 2025).
    • Conspicuous warning signs reading “Warning: Electric Fence” at intervals no greater than 30 feet.
    • System height: 10 feet or two feet higher than the existing perimeter barrier/fence/wall, whichever is greater.
    • Minimum five-foot-tall non-electric perimeter barrier (existing barriers must have been code-compliant when installed).
    • Must include a device to allow first responders to deactivate the system in an emergency (if used by that locality).
    • Localities may require permits and alarm-operator licenses/permits similar to other security alarms.
    • Cities/code cities/counties may not impose additional off-setting conditions or improvements tied to installation.

  • Local control and exemptions

    • Local governments that already have ordinances regulating or prohibiting electric security alarms are exempt from the statewide default rules.
    • If a locality adopts such regulations after this act’s effective date, the ordinance must include “electric security alarm” in its title and be preceded by two public hearings.
    • Systems installed before a later-adopted local ordinance may continue to operate if they comply with the statewide requirements.

  • Exclusions

    • The measure does not apply to burglar alarms (per RCW 18.170.010) or fire alarms (per RCW 48.19.540(3)).

  • Statutory placement

    • New sections proposed to be added to RCW chapters: 35.21 (cities/towns), 35A.21 (code cities), and 36.01 (counties).

Key provisions — Vehicle registration option (2023 original)

  • Would have added a section to RCW 46.16A to allow vehicle owners to opt for quarterly or semiannual registrations beginning May 1, 2024.
  • Option limited to vehicles registered in geographic areas where a regional transit authority (RTA) is imposing the motor vehicle excise tax under chapter 82.44 RCW (i.e., RTA tax areas).

Who is affected

  • 2025 substitute: Industrial/commercial property owners with outdoor storage yards; local governments (limits on regulation where no local rules exist); first responders and public safety agencies (emergency shutoff expectations); alarm operators and permitting departments.
  • 2023 proposal: Vehicle owners in RTA tax areas and vehicle licensing/DMV systems (if adopted).

Procedural & timeline highlights

  • 2023 vehicle bill: Introduced 01/26/2023; referred to Transportation; public hearing 02/06/2023; did not advance to enactment.
  • Reintroduction: By resolution reintroduced and retained in present status (01/08/2024).
  • 2025 electric-alarm substitute: Introduced 01/29/2025; first reading 02/21/25 (substitute S-1709.1); Senate Local Government committee executive action 02/20/25 (majority do pass substitute); public hearing earlier (02/10/25); passed to Rules Committee for second reading 02/21/25; Senate Rules “X” file 03/17/25.
  • Current status: By the legislative record provided, the 2025 substitute is in the Rules Committee / “X” file stage in the Senate.

Considerations & potential impacts

  • Public safety: The bill standardizes safety features (signage, voltage limits, first-responder shutoffs) but would allow use of energized perimeters that some public-safety stakeholders may oppose.
  • Local control: Where no local regulation exists, the measure preempts local fence codes (it prevents treating these systems as fences), reducing local discretion; localities that enact rules later must follow procedural hearing requirements.
  • Property security: Could help deter theft for outdoor storage businesses.
  • Liability & enforcement: Local governments could still regulate permitting and licensing, but the bill limits additional mitigation requirements tied to installations.

If you want, I can produce a side‑by‑side comparison table of the 2023 vehicle-registration language and the 2025 electric-alarm substitute, or draft plain‑language talking points for stakeholders (local governments, property owners, public safety).

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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