by
Rachel Tindall
| Feb 17, 2023
CEDIA Director of Government Affairs, Darren Reaman, at the Advocacy Town Hall, CEDIA Expo 2022. Seated next to him: Leon Soohoo of Paradyme (middle) and Will Breaux of iconic systems (right).
The 2023 state legislative sessions are starting to emerge. At this point in the session, CEDIA has 420 legislative bills from 45 states and 200 regulations from 42 states that we are tracking for our members and the smart home technology industry.
CEDIA monitors and tracks issues related to the smart home technology industry each day. We track, monitor, and lobby on:
- Alarm licensing
- Connected devices
- Electronic waste
- Electrical licensing
- Low-voltage licensing
- The National Electrical Code®
- Right to Repair
- Workforce development.
Each morning CEDIA receives tracking reports about legislation and regulations that are introduced, amended, or has any type of movement through the legislative process. That means when important changes happen to legislative bills or regulations like committee hearings and amendments, we’re able to act quickly.
State Legislative Session Themes
CEDIA is monitoring several bills related to statewide electrical licensing and low-voltage licensing – primary issues for our members and the industry. We’re seeing several states introduce legislation related to occupational licensing and reciprocity of recognizing other state licenses and making it easier for military members and family members to obtain state licenses.
Several states have legislation or regulations adopting the 2023 edition of the National Electrical Code®. The 2023 edition has numerous key changes for integrators and the smart home technology industry. There are updates for Class 1, Class 2, Class 3 wiring, and a new Class 4 wiring. In addition to Class 4 wiring, for the first time, the 2023 edition of the National Electrical Code® mentions cybersecurity. States and local jurisdictions often adopt the National Electrical Code® with amendments and CEDIA continues to watch for any amendments important to the industry.
We’re also monitoring Right to Repair legislation. This type of legislation requires original manufacturers to make independent repair providers and owners available for equipment and parts sold within a state. The legislation stipulates that the manufacturer provide fair terms for any parts, tools, and documentation required to:
- Diagnose
- Maintain
- Repair equipment and parts
Right to Repair often targets digital electronic equipment and parts.
States continue to address electronic waste. Legislation is beginning to focus on reducing environmental impacts associated with lighting products. This happens through phasing out the sale of most mercury-containing lights and certain compact fluorescent lamps. One bill also centers on improved end-of-life management for all types of lighting products.
It’s still early in the 2023 state legislative session, and CEDIA continues to advocate for its members and the smart home technology industry each day. Stay informed and engaged and when called upon support and defend your industry! Together we are the voice of the smart home technology industry.