Posts by George Sewell, Manager of Government Relations, Security Industry Association
SIA Government Relations Priorities Update: July 2025
SIA’s government relations team highlights the latest policy hot topics and how SIA is engaging federally and at the state level on behalf of our members and the industry. The Security Industry Association (SIA) government relations staff and members have been working diligently to continue both our federal and state advocacy. This year, SIA has tracked over 250 bills…
Keep Reading »Click-to-Cancel Stopped Less Than a Week Before Effective Date
In October 2024, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) adopted changes regarding the Negative Option Rule, better known as the “click-to-cancel” rule. The Click-to-Cancel rule was intended to require business to make it easier for consumers to cancel undesired subscriptions and memberships, addressing services that either consumers use and then forget to unsubscribe from or those…
Keep Reading »False Alarm Fine Relief: New York Set to Enact Legislation Ensuring Only Those Who Set Off False Alarms Get Fined
Alarm companies who work within the state of New York will be able to take sighs of relief with the predicted enactment of new legislation, A.3343/S.4328, which passed the New York State Legislature before it adjourned on June 12, 2025, and is now waiting to be signed by Gov. Kathy Hochul. Some municipalities automatically fine…
Keep Reading »Security Industry Advocacy Achieves Major Wins on State “Right to Repair” Policies
New measures signed into law last week in Washington and Oregon ensure security manufacturers will not be required to disclose sensitive technical information regarding their products, protecting the integrity of security and life safety systems and the lives of those who depend on them. On May 22, 2025, Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek signed into law…
Keep Reading »Security Industry Leaders Bring Their Stories to Capitol Hill: Highlights From Security Hill Day 2025
Security Hill Day 2025 was an absolute success! The Security Industry Association (SIA), with support from the Electronic Security Association (ESA) and The Monitoring Association (TMA), hosted the event March 4-5, 2025, bringing over 60 security industry executives to Washington, D.C., to promote important policy priorities that affect our industries every day. Topics and priorities…
Keep Reading »New Law Enhances Federal Building Security: Improving Federal Building Security Act of 2024 Passes Congress
As of Dec. 10, 2024, Sen. Gary Peters’ (D-Mich.) Improving Federal Building Security Act of 2024 (IFBSA) has passed both the U.S. House and Senate and is on its way to be signed into law by President Joe Biden. This bipartisan legislation mandates that facility security committees respond to security recommendations issued by the Federal…
Keep Reading »State of New York Provides Retailers With Tax Credit for Security Improvements
What Retailers Need to Know About Using New York’s Retail Security Tax Credit On April 20, 2024, the New York State legislature passed its annual budget measure for fiscal year 2025 which addresses multiple priorities and enacts key proposals from Gov. Kathy Hochul. Of significance to New York business owners, workers and consumers, the measure…
Keep Reading »State Legislative Update: 2024 Legislation Impacting the Security Industry
With most state legislative sessions across the United States now adjourned for the year, here are key outcomes on myriad issues that security industry leaders and companies should be paying close attention to. The Security Industry Association (SIA) government relations staff and volunteers work diligently throughout the year on efforts that matter to our members…
Keep Reading »What to Know About Illinois’ New Biometric Data Requirements
Key considerations and implications for security industry companies regarding the new Illinois BIPA reform proposal On Aug. 2, 2024, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed a major Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA) reform into law. The reform proposal received approval back in May within the Illinois House of Representatives with a 81-30 vote, after clearing the Illinois…
Keep Reading »FTC Bans Noncompete Agreements, Lawsuit Ensues: How the Rule Impacts Security Businesses
On April 23, 2024, after a 3-2 vote in favor, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced a rule which will put a ban on all noncompete agreements nationwide beginning Sept. 4, 2024. Once this new ruling goes into effect, existing noncompetes for most of the workforce will be null and no longer enforceable, and notably,…
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