CEDIA’s advocacy program is your voice for your business and your industry.
CEDIA works to monitor, track, and lobby on pending licensing legislation and regulations every day to ensure that the appropriate exemptions or definitions of work for a license represent the work done by present and future integrators today. It’s vital for jurisdictions to use forward-looking code language to support technology innovations and encourage the adoption of technology.
We track, monitor, and lobby on these industry issues:
- Alarm licensing
- Connected devices
- Electronic waste
- Electrical licensing
- Low-voltage licensing
- The National Electrical Code
- Security licensing
- Workforce development
Throughout the 2022 legislative sessions, CEDIA has tracked and monitored more than 680 legislative bills in all 50 states and 130-plus 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.
Related: CEDIA’s Government Affairs — Step Up and Let Your Voice Be Heard
2022 Highlights
Here are some of the most important things that have occurred this legislative session.
City of 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 Rhode Island even though they’ve been trained and 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.
Advocacy Opportunities at CEDIA Expo
CEDIA Expo will be held September 29 through October 1 in Dallas, and there will be a number of CEDIA Advocacy opportunities throughout the show.
Plan to attend the CEDIA Advocacy Town Hall breakfast on Thursday, September 29, to learn what CEDIA is doing to protect your business and how you can use your voice to influence policymakers. Hear directly from members involved in past advocacy victories, discover what challenges are currently before the industry, and learn why CEDIA needs you to get involved.
Visit the CEDIA Booth to learn more about CEDIA’s Advocacy Program and become informed about key issues in your state using CEDIA’s Digital Advocacy Tool. Using this tool, you can reach out to your local legislative leadership on issues important to your business and the home technology industry.
There will be a CEDIA Education Session that will cover the history the National Electrical Code, how the NEC impacts integrators’ work, what you need to know about the new 2023 edition, and how those changes will impact your business and your work now and in the future.
Related: Education at CEDIA Expo to Feature More Than 150 Sessions
Get Engaged and Involved
It’s vital to take the time and get involved when you receive a CEDIA Advocacy Communication with a call to action. Educating legislators is key, and so is having members involved throughout the legislative process. Members who can provide education on the proposed legislation and its impact to the home technology industry are invaluable. Your voice and participation are necessary.
For small business owners or stakeholders in the home technology industry, 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 industry as a whole. Building these relationships in the district are beneficial during legislative sessions.
Major changes are coming to the 2023 edition of the National Electrical Code (NFPA 70) — particularly in sections that affect integrators. This edition will help keep up with the changing electrical industry, including residential integration work. Updates will include to Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 wiring, as well as a new Class 4 wiring, and apply to technologies you install every day. Make sure to stay up to date on changes so you can continue to thrive and serve your clients well.
In addition to the typical legislative tracking and monitoring tasks, many states will adopt the 2023 edition of the National Electrical Code with amendments. CEDIA will track and monitor the adoption of the National Electrical Code and work to ensure any amendments support integrator work and technologies.
Throughout the legislative and regulatory processes, CEDIA works each day to ensure your voice is heard on issues important to your business and industry. 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.
