SIA Applauds Maryland Laws That Update Licensing, False Alarm Reduction Objectives
SIA says the legislation removes burdensome permitting requirements and place limitations on circumstances under which security dealers can be fined for violations of alarm system registration requirements.
SILVER SPRING, Md. — The Security Industry Association (SIA) released an announcement to commend the signing of legislation that impact alarm systems companies in Maryland.
Earlier this year, SIA representatives testified in support of House Bills (HB) 645 and 1117, and corresponding companion Senate Bills (SB) 662 and 927, before the Maryland General Assembly. Gov. Larry Hogan has now signed the legislation into law.
HB 645 and SB 662 update long-outdated local regulations by providing a statewide exemption for wireless, low-voltage alarm systems from electrical permitting requirements established before the advent of wireless systems. The bill helps reduce burdens on alarm installers, who are licensed professionals and companies, according to SIA.
“Technology innovations over the past few years have made home security and fire alarm systems more affordable, effective and reliable. The growing use of these is positive for our communities because the role they play in fire safety as well as reducing burglaries and other crimes is documented and well understood,” says Joseph Hoellerer, manager of government relations at SIA.
Hoellerer continues, “As state and local leaders are looking for cost-effective ways to reduce crime, we believe removing these unnecessary and burdensome permitting requirements not only brings Maryland in line with other states in adjusting alarm regulations to today’s technology, it also supports the goal of making our communities safer.”
HB 1117 and SB 927 place sensible limitations on the circumstances under which alarm companies can be fined for violations of alarm system registration requirements in jurisdictions that have false alarm reduction programs, according to SIA.
Additionally, the bills limit fines associated with failure to initially register alarm systems to cases in which it was an alarm company responsibility and simply require local municipalities to notify alarm companies when alarm users’ registrations have expired.
“[HB 1117; SB 927] will give alarm companies the chance to work with alarm users to ensure the fullest possible compliance with local requirements,” says Jake Parker, SIA’s director of government relations. “We should all be able to agree that achieving 100 percent compliance with registration requirements – and therefore zero associated fines – would be the best possible outcome consistent with false alarm reduction program objectives.”
You can read more about SIA’s testimony here and its overall advocacy efforts here.
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All of the Maryland Legislation was the result of countless hours of work by the Maryland Burglar and Fire Alarm Association and local chapter of the False Alarm Reduction Association to negotiate with ADT, that drafted two unworkable bills, to craft legislation that could ultimately pass.
Readers need to support their State associations who work to craft and pass legislation to solve these problems.