FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NBFAA Endorses “Secure America’s Homes and Businesses Act”

Recent Proposed Legislation to Benefit the Security Industry

Irving, TX Aug. 15, 2005 - The National Burglar and Fire Alarm Association (NBFAA) today announced the association’s endorsement of federal legislation recently introduced by Rep. Steven LaTourette (R-OH). Titled the "Secure America's Homes and Businesses Act,” this legislation (HR 3632) would provide up to $5,000 for residential and $50,000 for commercial tax deductions annually for the purchase and the professional installation of electronic premise security devices.

Devices covered by the bill would include electronic fire/life safety, intrusion detection alarms or burglar alarms, video surveillance cameras and equipment, access controls including biometrics and automated fingerprint identification systems and any components, wiring, system displays, terminals or other equipment to install these devices. The premise of the taxpayer can include any structure or property used for commercial or residential purposes including parking lots and other areas owned by the taxpayer and used as dwellings. The effective date of the bill would be Dec. 31, 2005.

“As part of the NBFAA’s proactive government relations program, the association worked closely with Rep. LaTourette on this legislation and recommended language to the Congressman. This bill (HR 3632) seeks to assist taxpayers, both business and individual, in meeting the challenges of homeland security and anti-terrorist protection (as well as crime prevention) by assisting in securing tax credit for professionally installed devices. The recent London bombings have shown the need to enhance surveillance equipment around the country, and this bill would speed up the process significantly,” said NBFAA Executive Director, Merlin Guilbeau.

In January, the NBFAA announced that their members could expect a ramped-up effort from the association's Government Relations department, thanks to a partnership with veteran lobbyist John Chwat, President of Chwat & Company, Inc., Alexandria, Va.

“The NBFAA and the security industry are already seeing the impact that this partnership is having. Under our direction, John has worked tirelessly these last few months to bring issues forward, and this bill is just one example of the success we are having in recommending legislation that can positively benefit not only our members and the industry, but the public as well,” added Guilbeau.

Rep. LaTourette is a member of the House National Security, Emerging Threats and International Relations Subcommittee. He is serving his sixth term in the United States House of Representatives and represents Northeast Ohio’s 14th Congressional District. The district includes all of Lake, Geauga and Ashtabula counties, and part of Cuyahoga, Summit, Trumbull and Portage counties. For additional information about Rep. LaTourette go to www.house.gov/latourette.

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. For information on NBFAA's Government Relations, contact 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 john.chwat@chwatco.com.

# # #

You are receiving this press release as a courtesy of the National Burglar and Fire Alarm Association (NBFAA).
If you do not wish to receive future news releases, please reply to this e-mail with "REMOVE" in the subject line.

If you prefer to receive information in a different format, or as an attachment, or if you need additional information, please contact the Communications Department.

National Burglar & Fire Alarm Association (NBFAA)
2300 Valley View Lane, Suite 230 • Irving, TX 75062
Toll Free 888-447-1689 • Local 214-260-5970 • Fax 214-260-5979