The Electronic Security Association (ESA) warned that there have been significant actions by state legislatures at the end of 2012 that should put ESA chapters, members and industry supporters on high alert as 2013 state legislative sessions begin. Most notably, AT&T is waging an intense lobbying effort in Michigan to create a separate licensing structure for security systems that is tilted in its favor — one that does not conform to standard industry requirements, such as background checks, training and others.

AT&T is lobbying to carve out a separate licensing scheme for security systems, and AT&T has “convinced” state legislators it has “new technology” that requires this change.

AT&T has indicated that its efforts will be repeated in other states. ESA learned that AT&T has supported pre-filing amendments to the newly passed Arizona licensing law.

Verizon is also active in state legislation, supporting deregulating Pennsylvania’s telephone industry. ESA expects other states to face similar challenges and urges all chapters to be vigilant.

ESA will address this issue at the 2013 ESA Leadership Summit, Feb. 18-21 in Orlando, Fla., including the Government Relations committee, the Board of Directors, and the Chartered Chapter meeting.