Legislation Looksee: Keep Watch on These Bills Heading Into 2021
Multiple bills being deliberated will likely effect installing security contractors no matter the outcome of November’s election.
Trying to prognosticate the legislation tea leaves at the state and federal levels ahead of November’s election is a fool’s errand. Depending on the victors, policy shifts stand to be long and divergent. Still, as ESA’s Chris Heaton, vice president, advocacy & public affairs, recently blogged, there are multiple bills being deliberated that will likely effect installing security contractors no matter the outcome of the elections.
Heaton sums up the issues surrounding the various laws being considered in three Ls: labor, licensing and low voltage. In his most recent legislative summary, Heaton provided the following overview of bills to keep watch on for 2021:
FEDERAL
While August is normally a month for Congress to take a recess, some work was done as both chambers grapple with COVID-19 and its impact on the overall economy.
H.R. 8014 would authorize the issuance of United States Victory Bonds to aid in the funding of public health operations and small business assistance during the coronavirus pandemic, and for other purposes.
4489 reduces the amount of loan forgiveness by (1) the amount of a recipient’s after-tax income, or (2) the increase in net assets if the recipient is a nonprofit organization. A recipient seeking loan forgiveness must submit documentation verifying after-tax income and net assets to determine any paycheck protection loan repayment. Further, the bill requires the disclosure of paycheck protection loan information in accordance with applicable laws.
One non-COVID bill that is worth noting is S. 4418, the 21st Century Buy American Act. This bill establishes additional criteria that must be met before federal agencies may grant exceptions or waivers to Buy American requirements. The bill also (1) requires the General Services Administration to establish a public website with details regarding waivers and exceptions that have been requested, are under consideration, or have been granted by agencies; (2) increases the domestic content percentage requirement to 60%; and (3) authorizes the Department of Defense to establish a program to make or guarantee loans to certain domestic manufacturers.
STATE
While August is traditionally the slowest month for legislative activity among states, we know by now there is nothing traditional about this year. Over a dozen states had legislation introduced or moved during the last month, with 48 bills included in this report. Six bills were enacted into law and, not surprisingly, they were all related to COVID-19.
Idaho (HB 6) and Tennessee (HB 8001/SB 8002) passed legislation that limits civil liability claims related to COVID-19. These are the two most recent states to pass similar legislation that is designed to protect individuals and businesses against COVID-19 civil suits.
Mississippi passed SB 3053, which provides relief payments for small businesses to offset COVID-19 related expenses.
Utah passed two bills that address income taxes and mortgage relief. SB 6005 clarifies that forgiven loans through the CARES Act funds will not be considered taxable for state income taxes. SB 6009 modified provisions to the Commercial Rental and Mortgage Assistance Program, the Impacted Businesses Grant Program and several other changes under previously adopted COVID-related measures.
If you enjoyed this article and want to receive more valuable industry content like this, click here to sign up for our FREE digital newsletters!
Related Content
Security Is Our Business, Too
For professionals who recommend, buy and install all types of electronic security equipment, a free subscription to Commercial Integrator + Security Sales & Integration is like having a consultant on call. You’ll find an ideal balance of technology and business coverage, with installation tips and techniques for products and updates on how to add to your bottom line.
A FREE subscription to the top resource for security and integration industry will prove to be invaluable.
