Bill to Allow Businesses to Expense Fire Alarm and Security Systems

Bill to Allow Businesses to Expense Fire Alarm and Security Systems

The most significant tax bill in over 30 years was passed by Congress and signed into law on December 22, 2017 by President Trump. Over 23 million comments were filed in response to an FCC plan to reverse a two-year...
What Really Matters With “Net Neutrality”

What Really Matters With “Net Neutrality”

Many virtual barrels of ink have spilled on the topic of “net neutrality” over the last two years and no issue has generated more intense scrutiny and public interest with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) since it published its proposed...
Will the “Save Local Business Act” Save Businesses Including Yours?

Will the “Save Local Business Act” Save Businesses Including Yours?

In the midst of the media and Congress focusing on tax reform and President Trump’s trip through Asia, a relatively harmless looking, one-page bill passed the House on November 7 that  could really live up to its name, the “Save...
Paid Family Leave – Long Overdue or Just Another Burden on Business?

Paid Family Leave – Long Overdue or Just Another Burden on Business?

Paid Family Leave (PFL) is a concept that may be foreign to many members, but those in states like California, Rhode Island and New Jersey it is a current reality. And, it is coming to New York, Washington state and...
“Restoring Board Immunity” Bills Filed to Address Occupational Licensing Concerns

“Restoring Board Immunity” Bills Filed to Address Occupational Licensing Concerns

The electronic security and life safety industry is a heavily regulated industry for obvious reasons. Consumers want to know their personal protection is assured by objective licensing procedures that preclude felons from accessing their home or having security codes that...
Is There Another Way to Fix the Healthcare Dilemma for Small Businesses?

Is There Another Way to Fix the Healthcare Dilemma for Small Businesses?

‘Repeal and replace’ was a campaign promise from many (including the sitting President) for the looming failure of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), aka “Obamacare”, but as is usually the case, congressional leaders have not come up with a way...
What is FirstNet and Why It Matters

What is FirstNet and Why It Matters

When hi-jacked airliners flew into the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and a field in Pennsylvania, rather than the nations’ Capitol, on September 11, 2001, a glaring defect in public safety communication was exposed among many infrastructure issues. Hurricanes Katrina, Rita...
Federal Bills Move Prior to August Recess

Federal Bills Move Prior to August Recess

Prior to going on its customary summer recess, the United States Senate did manage to pass some interesting and important legislation. While the national news cycles remain focused on Russia, tax reform and health care, Congress did get other business...
State Regulatory Alert: Washington State’s Interpretation on Alarm Monitoring Taxation Questioned

State Regulatory Alert: Washington State’s Interpretation on Alarm Monitoring Taxation Questioned

Recent audits by the Washington Department of Revenue (DOR) in Washington State have raised questions about an Excise Tax Advisory (ETA) issued on March 7, 2014 regarding the sales tax implications for alarm monitoring companies and dealers.  At the center...
Congressional Action Offers Opportunities for ESA and the Industry

Congressional Action Offers Opportunities for ESA and the Industry

During ESA's Day on Capitol Hill event held last month, ESA Members advocated on behalf of the electronic security and life safety industry with their elected representatives in Congress. One of the key issues presented by the attendees during their congressional visits was...