An Electrifying Outcome for Council-Sponsored Legislation to Deter Commercial Property Crimes

Commercial, manufacturing and industrial property crimes are a serious problem in California, increasing costs for businesses big and small, indirectly hurting consumers and hampering overall economic activity. That’s why the Bay Area Council is proud that AB 1622 (Rubio), a bill co-sponsored with member company AMAROK to help businesses protect against theft and property crimes, won unanimous approval in the Legislature and was signed last week (Aug. 27) by Gov. Newsom.

AB 1622 makes permanent streamlined permitting for installing electrified security fencing, a proven deterrent to theft and property crimes. Under previous streamlining legislation approved in 2024 that was due to expire, the wait time it took for businesses to receive a permit for electrified security fencing dropped from an average of 372 days to just 19 days. And a backlog of more than 400 permit applications disappeared, with an estimated 850 permits approved in less than two years. To engage in the Council’s public safety policy work, please contact Vice President Laura Hill.

Photo credit: Photo by Simon Maage on Unsplash