Legislative Report – June 2019

Legislative Report – June 2019

FEDERAL The federal bills that were introduced or moved in June address robocalling and IoT cybersecurity improvements for covered devices used by the federal government. Another bill, S. 1786, would establish a percentage threshold above the poverty line for establishing...
Model Language for Low-Voltage Exemption from Electrical Licensing Saves the Day, Most Recently in Colorado

Model Language for Low-Voltage Exemption from Electrical Licensing Saves the Day, Most Recently in Colorado

In October 2013, ESA, the Custom Electronic Design & Installation Association (CEDIA) and a number of representatives from national companies and other industry-related organizations formed a coalition to meet and collaborate on common areas of interest to our respective industries....
Legislative Report – May 2019

Legislative Report – May 2019

FEDERAL Federal legislation in the last month demonstrates the wide divide that exists in Congress. Some bills, such as H.R. 2571 create a “National Right-to-Work Act,” effectively barring unions from forcing union membership or agency fees on employees who work...
Department of Labor Proposes to Clear Muddy “Joint Employer” Regulations

Department of Labor Proposes to Clear Muddy “Joint Employer” Regulations

On April 9, 2019 the US Department of Labor (DOL) published a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to update and clarify the interpretation of “joint employer status” under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), which has not had significant revisions...
Terror Knows No Boundaries – Preparing for the Next Wave of Violence

Terror Knows No Boundaries – Preparing for the Next Wave of Violence

Whether it is Catholic churches in Sri Lanka, Mosques in New Zealand or Synagogues here in the United States, terrorists continue to commit destructive or violent acts in places of worship that many people hold sacred. Whether it is Catholic...
March Executive Summary: The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly

March Executive Summary: The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly

March could be characterized as the good, the bad, and the ugly for legislation. We saw legislation across the political spectrum receive considerable attention and some has lead ESA to actively seek members engagement with their elected officials through our...
This is the Time of Year to BE HEARD!

This is the Time of Year to BE HEARD!

You may have noticed an email or two from ESA asking that you get engaged on a piece of legislation. If you are in Texas, we asked you to write your House and Senate members to oppose HB 1141 and...
Legislation to Watch: Threats from Politely Titled Bills

Legislation to Watch: Threats from Politely Titled Bills

Since the beginning of the year, ESA began following bills unlike any seen in recent history. We mentioned the numerous occupational licensing bills that would require oversight and review of all licenses. We also noted several bills that would expand...
February Executive Summary

February Executive Summary

This month was very busy on several different issue areas. States continue to file well-funded school security legislation. We also saw some supportive bills that will prohibit local jurisdictions from fining alarm companies and/or forcing them to collect registration fees...
Dangerous Legislation Hits States Early in the Year

Dangerous Legislation Hits States Early in the Year

Before the month of January ended, we encountered several bills in state legislatures that remind us of the need for diligence and advocacy. One bill in New Jersey, signed by the Governor on January 31st, will have a significantly negative...