The Electronic Security Association (ESA) reported that on June 30, Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY) introduced S. 1319, ESA’s federal background check legislation.

Similar to HR 1331, the Electronic Life Safety and Security Systems Federal Background Check Act of 2011 introduced in the House by Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer (R-MO), S.1319 directs the U.S. Attorney General to establish a system of FBI background checks for employers and employees of the electronic life safety and security system installation and monitoring industry, ESA said.

Once either measure is approved by Congress and signed into law, the Department of Justice will be responsible for promulgating rules and administering the program. Groups that have gained similar access include the federally chartered or insured banking industry, horse and dog racing establishments, the commodity futures trading industry, flight school training companies, private security guard businesses, the armored car industry and Indian gambling facilities, according to ESA.

The introduction of S. 1319 is a major success in this initiative, ESA stated, adding that it “would like to especially acknowledge the New York Burglar and Fire Alarm Association for helping to secure Senator Schumer as a sponsor of this legislation. As a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Senator Schumer can help move the legislation through the committee and to the Senate floor for a final vote.”

ESA said it will continue to monitor and participate in the progress of S. 1319 and HR. 1331 as they continue through the legislative process. When the official text for S. 1319 becomes available, ESA will provide access to it from ESAweb.org.