Behind Every Law, A Battle
By Taylor Criddle, VP of Advocacy & Public Affairs
Most business owners don’t realize how deeply laws and regulations can impact their operations—until it’s too late. By the time rules are passed and enforced, the key decisions have already been made—often behind closed doors, without input from the very professionals those decisions affect. That’s why government affairs work is so critical: it ensures our industry has a voice early in the process, shaping policy before it’s set in stone.
Throughout the past decade, I have worked in government affairs roles across state and federal legislatures, political campaigns, and trade associations. My experience includes leading public policy influence efforts and grassroots engagement initiatives while also building coalitions. I have witnessed firsthand how government affairs work to protect industries like electronic security and life safety, through both defensive maneuvers against dangerous proposals and proactive offense to ensure positive additions and changes for our industry.
So, what exactly is government affairs? It is the process of continuously monitoring legislation while developing relationships with lawmakers and regulators and making early statements and changes to ensure your industry is protected and thriving. Your industry and business require an association to stand guard and protect it while also acting, when necessary, at the legislative and regulatory levels. This work includes analyzing proposed bills, tracking committee activity, drafting comments on regulatory proposals, and meeting directly with policymakers to explain how their decisions will affect real-world operations. It often means building coalitions, organizing grassroots responses, and preparing testimony or letters that influence the direction of a bill. In short, government affairs are about strategy, relationships, and timing, all focused on making sure your industry is not only heard but understood.
The work of government affairs as it relates to the electronic security and life safety industry goes beyond being merely helpful. It is essential. Minor policy modifications can lead to major consequences. For example, a legislative bill can contain provisions that determine service contract durations or establish false alarm penalties or enforce costly permitting obligations. These proposals advance swiftly through the legislative process and without proper engagement; they are very likely in many cases to become laws before anyone can recognize them.
Every day, ESA’s government affairs team actively tracks potential threats and explores available strategic opportunities. Our organization educates and helps lawmakers better understand our industry and demonstrates why specific rules fail to work effectively in real-world scenarios. This organization supports intelligent policy development and maintains a business-friendly regulatory framework for sustainable growth.
Much of this work happens quietly. You may never see the meetings, calls, or letters. But the impact is real. We have helped defeat harmful bills and improve bills that were lacking, secured key exemptions, and built strong relationships that give our members a voice when it matters most.
Our lawmakers come from all kinds of different backgrounds. They may have never worked with a security company or seen how the industry’s technology functions. That is where we come in, to educate, inform, and represent. If policymakers do not hear from us, they make assumptions, which can lead to bad policy.
The goal here is not just to stop harmful ideas or propositions; it is to build lasting trust and partnerships that benefit the entire industry. We want lawmakers to see ESA and its members as resource experts who can help shape thoughtful, workable policy.
In a field where safety, compliance, and reliability matter, being involved in public policy is not optional. It is part of doing business. ESA is proud to provide that support every day.
If you are interested in getting more involved or learning more, please contact me at Taylor.Criddle@esaweb.org
