We received this update from our Lobbyist Kevin Cummingham of Southern Strategy Group providing an update on the current session.

House Bill 565, authored by Dixon McMakin, has now passed the Louisiana Senate and passed to the Governor for Signature. The legislation proposes targeted updates to how fire safety requirements are applied to early learning centers and child day care facilities and clarifies the authority of the Louisiana State Fire Marshal in enforcing those requirements. The bill was monitored on behalf of the Louisiana Life Safety & Security Association (LLSSA) by its legislative partner, Kevin Cunningham of Southern Strategy Group (SSG). While HB 565 is narrowly focused on childcare occupancies, it carries broader implications for code enforcement expectations and regulatory consistency across institutional occupancies that matter to contractors, designers, and service providers working in Louisiana’s life safety and property protection industry. What HB 565 Does HB 565 amends Louisiana Revised Statute 40:1563 to clarify several aspects of fire safety inspections and enforcement for early learning centers and child day care facilities. Specifically, the bill: Confirms the State Fire Marshal’s responsibility for inspection oversight of early learning centers and child day care centers. Limits enforcement to requirements expressly contained in adopted state or federal fire and life safety codes, rather than interpretations or policy guidance outside those codes. Requires that fire safety requirements be proportional to the size, occupancy, and risk level of the facility. Clarifies that standard residential appliances (such as microwaves and coffee makers) do not automatically trigger commercial suppression or ventilation requirements unless explicitly required by code. Requires written notice citing specific code provisions for any violations or corrective actions. Establishes a 15-day appeal window through the Division of Administrative Law for parties contesting determinations. Stays enforcement actions, penalties, or closure orders while appeals are pending. Places the burden of proof on the State Fire Marshal to demonstrate that a requirement is authorized by adopted codes. Why This Matters to the Industry Although the bill applies directly to early learning centers and child day care occupancies, its emphasis on code-based enforcement—not policy interpretation—reflects a broader legislative interest in ensuring regulatory clarity and consistency. For life safety and property protection professionals, this reinforces several important operational expectations: Code-based enforcement remains the standard. HB 565 explicitly affirms that requirements must be tied to adopted state or federal life safety codes. This supports predictable compliance pathways for contractors and system designers. Risk-based application of requirements is emphasized. The legislation clarifies that facilities should not automatically be treated like commercial or industrial occupancies unless required by code. That distinction may influence future discussions around occupancy classification and proportional system requirements. Documentation standards are strengthened. Requiring written notice with specific code citations improves transparency during inspections and helps contractors respond more efficiently to compliance issues. Appeal protections are clarified. The bill provides a defined administrative appeal process and pauses enforcement actions during review, which may affect project timelines and compliance strategies when disputes arise. What This Means for LLSSA Members For installers, integrators, and service providers working in education and childcare environments, HB 565 may help reduce uncertainty around interpretation-driven requirements and reinforce reliance on adopted codes such as NFPA standards as implemented by Louisiana authorities having jurisdiction. More broadly, the bill signals continued legislative attention to how fire safety requirements are applied in licensed institutional occupancies. As similar issues occasionally arise in other regulated facility types, this approach could shape future policy discussions affecting the life safety and property protection sector. The LLSSA Legislative Committee and Southern Strategy Group will continue monitoring HB 565 as it moves through the Senate and will provide updates if amendments or implementation considerations affect member companies. LLSSA remains committed to supporting policies that maintain Louisiana’s position as the national “Gold Standard” for life safety and property protection licensing while ensuring requirements remain clear, consistent, and rooted in adopted codes.

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In Louisiana’s life safety and property protection industry, the words you use matter. One of the most misunderstood areas in the field is the difference between a “referral” and a “subcontractor.” Many companies casually use the terms interchangeably, but under Louisiana law, they are very different business relationships — and misunderstanding that difference can create licensing violations and liability concerns.  A referral occurs when one company simply recommends another licensed company to a customer and steps away from the project. The referred company contracts directly with the customer, performs the work under its own license, invoices the customer directly, and assumes responsibility for the installation or service. In this situation, the referring company is not managing the project, supervising the work, or representing the work as its own. A true referral is simply introducing the customer to another properly licensed provider. A subcontractor relationship is very different. A subcontractor performs work on behalf of another company that holds the primary contract with the customer. In this arrangement, the hiring company remains responsible for the project and the subcontractor is working under that primary contract. This distinction becomes critical in Louisiana because companies cannot subcontract life safety and property protection work unless both parties hold the proper licenses and endorsements for the scope of work being performed. Louisiana’s Life Safety and Property Protection Licensing Law defines “life safety and property protection contracting” broadly. Under R.S. 40:1664.3, the term includes installation, inspection, certification, integration, service, programming, testing, repair, and sales activities involving systems designed to protect life and property. Louisiana law further states that no person or firm may engage in this work without holding a valid license issued by the State Fire Marshal. This means a company cannot avoid licensing requirements simply by labeling another company as a “subcontractor” while directing or controlling the work. If your company contracts a fire alarm installation, access control system, CCTV project, sprinkler work, or another regulated scope, both your company and the subcontracted company must hold the appropriate licenses and endorsements required for that work. Louisiana law also prohibits aiding or facilitating unlicensed activity. R.S. 40:1646 also reinforces the importance of identifying the actual installing contractor. The statute specifically states that the installing contractor of new life safety systems and equipment must be onsite for final inspection by the State Fire Marshal or the Fire Marshal’s representative. That requirement highlights the state’s expectation that properly licensed contractors remain directly accountable for the work being performed. Here is a simple way to think about the difference: Referral: “You should call ABC Fire Protection. They handle that type of work.” ABC contracts directly with the customer and performs the project independently. Subcontractor: “We sold the project and hired ABC Fire Protection to complete part of the installation for us.” ABC is now performing work under your company’s contract and licensing requirements apply to both parties. For Louisiana life safety and property protection companies, this distinction is more than semantics. It affects licensing compliance, liability exposure, inspections, insurance coverage, and consumer protection. Using the wrong structure — or simply using the wrong terminology — can create unnecessary risk during a State Fire Marshal investigation, project dispute, or licensing review. The safest approach is simple: when referring work outside your licensed scope, make a true referral and allow the properly licensed company to contract directly with the customer. If you intend to subcontract regulated work, verify that every company involved holds the correct Louisiana licenses and endorsements before work begins. For current licensing laws and regulations, members can review the Louisiana State Fire Marshal licensing resources at Louisiana State Fire Marshal Laws & Rules .

Across Louisiana, many life safety and property protection companies continue to service systems that were installed years—or even decades—ago. These systems may still function reliably, but customer expectations and cybersecurity risks have changed dramatically. Today’s end users want mobile access, remote management, cloud connectivity, integrated video, automation features, and faster service response. At the same time, older hardware and outdated communication methods can create operational challenges for installers trying to maintain dependable protection while preparing customers for the future. For integrators and monitoring professionals, modernization does not always mean a complete rip-and-replace project. In many cases, the smarter approach is phased migration. Existing intrusion, fire, access control, and video systems can often be upgraded through cellular communicators, cloud-managed platforms, hybrid architectures, API integrations, and newer user interfaces that extend the life of the original investment while improving functionality and security. Modern platforms also provide better diagnostics, remote programming capabilities, and proactive maintenance tools that reduce truck rolls and improve customer satisfaction. Cloud-connected environments and AI-assisted analytics are increasingly helping organizations automate monitoring, identify anomalies faster, and improve operational efficiency. Cybersecurity should remain a major consideration during any modernization effort. Older systems were not designed for today’s connected environments and may lack encryption, secure authentication, or current patching support. As more devices become internet-connected, installers must evaluate network security, firmware management, user permissions, and data protection as part of every upgrade conversation. Rushing upgrades without proper planning can introduce vulnerabilities, especially when integrating legacy hardware with modern cloud services or AI-enabled tools. Successful modernization requires careful assessment, staged implementation, documentation, and ongoing support. Another important factor is workforce efficiency. Many older systems require technicians with specialized knowledge that is becoming harder to find as the industry evolves. Modern platforms can simplify programming, centralize administration, and improve interoperability between systems. Open architecture and integration capabilities are becoming increasingly valuable as customers seek unified solutions that connect intrusion, fire, access control, video surveillance, environmental monitoring, and automation into a single operational view. Companies that modernize strategically position themselves to support future technologies while continuing to deliver dependable service to existing customers. For Louisiana life safety and property protection professionals, modernization should be viewed as both a business opportunity and a customer service responsibility. Many customers are unaware of the limitations or risks associated with aging systems until a failure occurs. Proactive conversations about communication paths, software support, cybersecurity, and future compatibility help build trust while creating opportunities for recurring revenue and long-term customer retention. The companies that succeed over the next decade will likely be those that can balance reliability with innovation—helping customers transition confidently from legacy technology to smarter, more secure, and more connected protection systems.

In today’s life safety and property protection environments, intercom systems are no longer simple door-entry devices—they are strategic components that shape how an entire security system performs. For integrators and installers across Louisiana, understanding the role of modern IP intercom technology is essential to delivering solutions that are scalable, user-friendly, and aligned with evolving customer expectations. Intercoms are often the first point of interaction a visitor has with a facility and one of the most frequently used security devices on site. Because they handle daily communication between occupants, visitors, delivery personnel, and service providers, they serve as both a security checkpoint and a customer experience touchpoint. When selected early in the system design process, intercom platforms help reduce service interruptions, avoid compatibility issues, and support long-term expansion without costly system replacement. Modern IP intercoms now combine capabilities traditionally spread across multiple systems. Many solutions include built-in video monitoring, recording functionality, and access control integration, allowing them to serve as compact security platforms at entry points. In smaller facilities, such as offices or multifamily buildings with limited access points, an intercom alone can provide sufficient perimeter control and communication coverage. Even in larger enterprise deployments, intercoms introduce something cameras and credentials alone cannot: real-time human decision-making. When a call button is pressed, security staff, reception personnel, or residents can verify intent, identity, and context before granting access. This interaction layer strengthens situational awareness and creates a proactive security posture rather than a purely reactive one. Today’s customers increasingly expect intercom systems to integrate seamlessly with access control, surveillance platforms, and mobile applications. Integrated solutions reduce hardware duplication, streamline training requirements, and allow operators to manage multiple systems from a single interface. This “single pane of glass” approach improves operational efficiency for both security teams and facility managers. Mobile connectivity is another growing expectation. Smartphone-based answering, credentialing, and remote door release capabilities allow staff to respond from anywhere, reducing reliance on fixed reception points and improving workflow flexibility. Intercom systems also serve as vital communication links during emergencies. They provide a direct connection between occupants and security personnel or first responders when immediate verification and coordination are required. In many environments, intercoms support paging, localized emergency messaging, and coordinated response communications that extend well beyond traditional entry control. One of the most common challenges in system deployment occurs when intercom selection is delayed until late in the project lifecycle. Doing so can lead to compatibility limitations, missed integration opportunities, and restricted expansion options. In some cases, organizations later discover they cannot add mobile features, additional stations, or phone system transfers without replacing the entire platform. For LLSSA member companies, intercom systems represent an opportunity to deliver greater value at the perimeter while strengthening integration across the entire security ecosystem. As expectations shift toward unified platforms, mobile control, and intelligent entry management, intercom technology continues to evolve from a supporting device into a central component of modern life safety and property protection solutions. By treating intercoms as foundational—not optional—installers can design systems that improve security outcomes, streamline operations, and enhance the daily experience of the people who rely on them.

The False Alarm Reduction Association (FARA) Annual Symposium, held April 14–16, 2026, in Tucson, Arizona, brought together law enforcement leaders, monitoring professionals, technology providers, and industry associations from across the country to collaborate on one of the life safety industry’s most important shared goals: reducing false alarms. Representing the Louisiana Life Safety and Security Association (LLSSA), Chairman of the Board Dera DeRoche-Jolet attended the event and contributed to national discussions on verification technology and best practices developed by the alarm industry over the past four decades. The symposium featured 26 public-safety representatives from agencies spanning California to Maryland, highlighting the strong national interest in improving alarm response efficiency through cooperation between law enforcement and alarm professionals. Over three days, attendees participated in 15 hours of training sessions and joint industry–public safety events, reinforcing a consistent message: agencies are not adversaries of the alarm industry—they are partners working toward smarter response policies and improved outcomes for communities. Sessions addressed several emerging issues that directly affect alarm dealers and monitoring providers: False alarm trends and enforcement strategies Law enforcement false alarm reduction units shared practical insight into how agencies evaluate repeat alarm locations. A consistent finding across jurisdictions is that more than 98% of false alarms originate from preventable causes, including new employees unfamiliar with systems, building changes, after-hours access by staff such as teachers or church personnel, and temporary occupants like pet or house sitters. These findings reinforce the importance of user education and system training at installation and turnover. Self-monitored video response activity Departments discussed how jurisdictions are beginning to regulate calls generated by users viewing their own cameras and requesting police dispatch. As DIY and app-based monitoring continues to expand, agencies are evaluating ordinance updates to manage this evolving category of alarm requests. Mobile and wearable panic alarms Presenters highlighted the rapid expansion of panic activation methods—from wall buttons and under-counter devices to smartphones, smartwatches, and even automated crash or fall detection triggers. These technologies are changing expectations around emergency signaling and response workflows. Alarm billing software and ordinance enforcement tools Updates to municipal billing platforms demonstrated how agencies are improving tracking of permits, fines, and repeat activations through ordinance-driven automation. These tools are shaping how cities manage alarm programs and interact with alarm companies. Online payment processing risks and cybersecurity considerations One session examined a real-world incident involving an AI-driven bot attack that generated payment processing issues and associated card-network penalties. Agencies emphasized the importance of vendor vetting and contingency planning when implementing online payment platforms—an increasingly relevant issue for municipalities and industry partners alike. Manufacturers and monitoring providers presented tools designed to reduce unnecessary dispatch requests, including: Video verification platforms User-education tools such as FARA Alarm School Enhanced account setup and compliance workflows Software conversion strategies for agencies upgrading alarm program systems  These solutions continue to reinforce the industry’s long-standing commitment to improving dispatch accuracy and response efficiency. During the symposium, Dera DeRoche-Jolet presented on the alarm industry’s 45-year evolution in false alarm reduction, highlighting advances in verbal, audio, and video verification technologies and the transition from legacy POTS signaling to cellular, IP, access control integration, GPS tracking, and modern camera-based verification systems. Her presentation emphasized the proactive steps alarm professionals have taken—and continue to take—to support public safety partners nationwide. Participation in events like the FARA Symposium ensures Louisiana’s life safety and property protection professionals remain engaged in shaping national best practices. As agencies refine policies and technology continues to evolve, the collaboration between law enforcement and alarm companies remains essential to protecting response resources and improving service to the communities we all serve.

We received this update from our Lobbyist Kevin Cummingham of Southern Strategy Group providing an update on the current session.