More than 40 National Burglar & Fire Alarm Association (NBFAA) members took their messages direct to the nation’s capitol during the association’s Day on Capitol Hill event in a successful grassroots effort to educate national legislators about the concerns of electronic life-safety and security professionals.

Congressman Paul C. Broun, M.D. (R-GA) introduced NBFAA-supported H.R. 5920, the “Electronic Life Safety and Security & Systems Federal Background Check Act.” The legislation directs the attorney general to permit the electronic life-safety, security and systems profession to access the FBI database and to provide employers with relevant criminal history record information.

The bill provides for various goals and standards for the attorney general to consider in promulgating rules for access, privacy protections and employee rights. NBFAA believes employees of the industry need to undergo federal criminal background checks not only for the employer, but to protect American citizens and provide the most professional services possible in these times of terrorism and increased criminal activity.

In addition to background checks, other legislative issues NBFAA members discussed with representatives during the Day on Capitol Hill included the “Secure America’s Homes and Businesses Act,” and “Long Term Care Life Safety Act.”

“There is no substitute for direct, face-to-face meetings between elected officials in Congress and their key staffs and their constituents, such as NBFAA’s owners and state chapters,” says John Chwat, NBFAA government relations director. “Our day in Washington provided NBFAA attendees the opportunity to personally discuss their legislative agendas directly with their Senators and Congressmen. We were very pleased at the number of contacts made, and the positive way we were received as an industry. We are already working on the next 2009 event.”

NBFAA President George Gunning says it is another successful effort to connect with legislators and represent the industry.

“Our members know what’s needed to protect our nation’s citizens and to enhance public safety in the United States. The announcement during the event of the introduction of H.R. 5920, the ‘Electronic Fire and Security Systems Federal Background Check Act of 2008,’ was just one example of the impact we can have on the legislative process and indeed, on our nation’s security interests.”

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