In the complex arena of public policy and regulation, trade associations play a critical role for industries like life safety and property protection. These industries are deeply affected by local ordinances, state licensing requirements, and national code-standards. Having a dedicated lobbyist means the association can actively monitor bills, regulatory initiatives, and administrative proposals, advocate directly to decision-makers, and build coalitions that protect member interests and support industry advancement. In short, effective advocacy ensures businesses aren’t merely reacting to change — they help shape it.
For the Louisiana Life Safety & Security Association (LLSSA), government and industry representation is one of the core member benefits. The association has retained Kevin Cunningham of Southern Strategy Group as its lobbyist, bringing decades of experience and proven advocacy in Louisiana’s legislative environment. llssa.org He is actively monitoring relevant bills, coordinating with LLSSA leadership, and providing members with updates on how proposed legislation—such as licensing changes, code-oversight shifts, and inspection rules—might affect their operations.
At the local level, a lobbyist helps members engage with parish or municipal rule-making where alarm ordinances, permitting, and inspections are set. At the state level, the lobbyist tracks changes to statutes governing licensing (such as for licensed monitoring or alarm installation), code adoption by the state fire marshal’s office, and regulatory fee structures—issues like those LLSSA is already watching. At the national level, although LLSSA is state-based, a lobbyist provides insight into trends such as federal tax law, equipment standardization, communications regulations (for monitoring and alarm reporting), and even wholesale import rules that impact alarm manufacturers and integrators.
By investing in this representation, LLSSA allows its members to focus on their business and technology, while still having a voice at the table when laws and regulations increasingly shape how life-safety and property-protection companies operate. For any member of the life safety/protection industry—whether you’re installing fire alarms, access control, security systems or monitoring services—this kind of advocacy isn’t an optional extra: it’s a strategic asset.