NBFAA recently distributed this release to trade and national media, and it will also be available online at www.alarm.org. For more information contact NBFAA Communications at communications@alarm.org.

NBFAA-Drafted Language Included in Higher Education Act
U.S. House Passes Bill that Includes H.R. 1409

Irving, Texas, Feb. 8, 2008 – Last night, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a Higher Education Act, by a vote of 354-58, that included language from H.R. 1409, the College Life Safety and Fire Prevention Act introduced by Rep.Vito Fossella, R-N.Y. The National Burglar & Fire Alarm Association (NBFAA) hailed this vote as a major victory for public safety and for the industry.

NBFAA began working with Rep. Fossella in 2006 to draft language that would establish a demonstration incentive program within the U.S. Department of Education to promote the professional installation of fire alarm detection systems, or other fire prevention technologies in qualified student housing, dormitories, and other university buildings. As a result, H.R. 4460 was introduced last year, and provisions of H.R. 4460 were contained in H.R. 609, the College Access and Opportunity Act, which passed the House of Representatives on March 30, 2006 but died in the Senate before any action could be taken. H.R. 1409 is similar to H.R. 4460.

NBFAA President George Gunning said, “NBFAA members are committed to this fight to save lives from fire-related deaths, and we will continue to work with our elected officials to support legislation that provides for greater protection of life and property. For two years, we’ve been fighting the battle to educate lawmakers and interested parties about the value of fire detection plus suppression. The passage of the House bill with this vital language included is a major victory in our efforts to have an impact on the safety of students and others who live and work in colleges and universities.”

NBFAA Government Relations Director John Chwat added, “NBFAA will continue to work diligently to ensure that this language stays in the Higher Education Act as it moves through the legislative process. We urge everyone who is concerned with public safety to support our efforts.”

For more information about this bill and what you can do to support it, contact NBFAA's lobbyist and Director of Government Relations John Chwat, at Chwat & Company, Inc., 625 Slaters Lane, Suite 103, Alexandria, VA 22314. He may be reached by phone at (703) 684-7703 or by e-mail at Gov.Info@alarm.org.

About NBFAA

NBFAA, a non-profit 501(c) 6 trade association, is the nation's oldest and largest organization dedicated to representing, promoting, and supporting the electronic life safety, security, and systems industry. Member companies specialize in a wide spectrum of services to commercial and residential consumers, including security and fire alarms, video surveillance, access control and monitoring. In cooperation with a federation of state associations, NBFAA provides government advocacy and delivers timely information, professional development tools, products and services that members use to grow and prosper their businesses. The NBFAA may be reached at (888) 447-1689 or on the Web at www.alarm.org. 

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