CEDIA works to monitor, track, and lobby on pending licensing legislation and regulations every day to ensure the appropriate exemptions or definitions of work for a license represents the work integrators do. It’s vital for jurisdictions to use forward-looking code language to support technology innovations and encourage technology adoption.
We track, monitor, and lobby on these industry issues:
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Alarm licensing
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Connected devices
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Electronic waste
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Electrical licensing
Throughout the 2022 legislative sessions, CEDIA has tracked and monitored more than 680 legislative bills in all 50 states and 130+ regulations in 35 states.
Since the start of CEDIA’s Government Affairs Program in 1999, CEDIA has had legislative victories for the home technology industry in more than 22 states and numerous municipalities.
Here are some of the most important things that have occurred this legislative session.
Houston: Over the next year, Houston Public Works will be updating the Houston Construction Code in the 2021 Code Development cycle, which includes the Houston Electrical Code and Houston Residential Code. Many low voltage stakeholders will be involved in these discussions.
Indiana: Statewide electrical licensing legislation was once again introduced in the Indiana General Assembly. Senate Bill 395 had low-voltage exemption language CEDIA worked to obtain in previous versions of the electrical licensing legislation. The bill was referred to committee but did not receive a committee hearing.
Rhode Island: The Rhode Island General Assembly had House Bill 8164 and Senate Bill 2978, both related to electricians’ businesses and professions. Both bills were problematic and had numerous consequences for residential integrators and the home technology industry in Rhode Island. By adding broad terms such as “support systems,” “lighting,” and “control of electrical devices,” to the electrical and electrical contractors license definitions, this language would force residential integrators to become electricians to complete any projects throughout the state even though they’ve been doing the work for years. Neither bill passed before the Rhode Island General Assembly session adjourned.
CEDIA also monitored licensing legislation for amendments in a number of states, including bills in Maryland, Oklahoma, and West Virginia.
It’s vital to take the time and get involved when you receive a CEDIA Advocacy Communication call to action. Educating legislators is key, as is having members involved throughout the legislative process. Your voice and participation are necessary.
For small business owners or stakeholders, take the time to attend the town hall meetings held by your local government officials. Introduce them to important issues that impact your business and the home technology industry as a whole. Building these relationships in the district are beneficial during legislative sessions.
Make sure to stay up to date on major changes coming to the 2023 edition of the National Electrical Code® so you can continue to thrive and serve your clients well. The changes will apply to technologies you install every day.
Throughout the legislative and regulatory processes, CEDIA ensures your voice is heard. Together, CEDIA works with its members to be “The Voice of the Home Technology Industry.” Join the effort by being a part of the CEDIA Grassroots Legislative Network.