The U.S. government has introduced the “U.S. Cyber Trust Mark,” a voluntary labeling program to help consumers identify smart home devices that meet established cybersecurity standards.

This initiative, similar to the Energy Star program, allows manufacturers to display the Cyber Trust Mark on products that pass cybersecurity assessments conducted by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The label will appear alongside a QR code on product packaging, providing consumers with detailed security information, such as instructions for changing default passwords, configuring devices securely, and accessing updates or patches.

Set to launch in 2025, the program will apply to various wireless Internet of Things (IoT) products, including smart appliances, home security cameras, and fitness trackers. However, it will exclude wired devices, medical devices regulated by the FDA, personal computers, smartphones, and routers.

The introduction of the U.S. Cyber Trust Mark aims to enhance consumer confidence in the security of connected devices and encourage manufacturers to prioritize cybersecurity in product development.

A recent ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit has blocked the reinstatement of net neutrality rules, raising significant concerns within the security alarm industry. The court determined that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) lacks the authority to prevent internet service providers (ISPs) from throttling or restricting access to online content.

The alarm industry relies on stable and unrestricted internet traffic to ensure the seamless transmission of critical data, including video feeds. Without net neutrality protections, there is apprehension that ISPs could prioritize certain traffic over others, potentially compromising the reliability of alarm systems during emergencies.

The Alarm Industry Communications Committee (AICC), which includes representatives from The Monitoring Association (TMA), the Electronic Security Association (ESA), the Security Industry Association (SIA), and leading alarm companies, has long advocated for net neutrality protections. They argue that alarm providers, who often compete with broadband ISPs in offering security services, are uniquely vulnerable without these protections.

Industry veteran Lou Fiore emphasized the risks posed by the absence of net neutrality rules, stating that without congressional intervention, the lack of protections could diminish competition and negatively impact consumers.

The broader implications of this ruling suggest that ISPs now have the power to “pick winners and losers” in the digital marketplace, potentially throttling or prioritizing internet traffic based on financial arrangements or their business interests. This scenario could lead to increased costs for smaller businesses, including alarm providers, and ultimately result in higher prices for consumers.

The Louisiana Life Safety & Security Association (LLSSA) has opened registrations for the February Regional Meetings, offering industry professionals valuable opportunities for education, networking, and collaboration throughout the state.

The Region I meeting, covering the New Orleans area, is set for February 20, 2025, at Brick Oven in Kenner. 

For Region II, professionals in the Baton Rouge area will gather on February 19, 2025, for a CEU Day, lunch, and meeting at Jones Creek Regional Library. 

In Region III, participants in the Lafayette area will meet on February 18, 2025, at Top Axe in Alexandria for dinner, a meeting, and social activities. 

Finally, Region V’s Monroe-area professionals will convene at Catfish Cabin in Monroe on February 17, 2025.

These meetings will feature speakers including LLSSA Regional Vice Presidents, Committee Chairpersons, Chief Bryan Adams of the Louisiana State Fire Marshal’s Office, and representatives from local communications departments. 

For further information or to register for a regional meeting, contact LLSSA at (337) 886-7282 or email llssa@llssa.org.

The Louisiana Life Safety and Security Association (LLSSA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Patrick Taylor as the new Chairperson of its Membership Committee. With a strong background in operations, technology, and security, Patrick brings a wealth of expertise and leadership to this critical role.

Patrick Taylor currently serves as Operations Manager at Louisiana Radio Communications, overseeing the Baton Rouge branch of the company. Since joining the organization a year ago, Patrick has demonstrated exceptional operational and leadership skills, contributing to the branch’s continued success.

Patrick’s career began in the Information Technology sector, where he earned multiple certifications and gained valuable technical expertise. Seeking to expand his professional horizons, he transitioned into the physical security industry over a decade ago. Since then, Patrick has specialized in life safety and property protection, focusing on CCTV systems, intrusion detection, and access controls.

“I’m honored to take on the role of Membership Committee Chairperson and look forward to working with the LLSSA to strengthen and grow our member base,” said Patrick Taylor. “It’s a privilege to contribute to an organization dedicated to advancing life safety and security in Louisiana.”

The LLSSA is confident that Patrick’s diverse background and commitment to excellence will make him a driving force in expanding the association’s reach and fostering member engagement.

For more information on the LLSSA Please contact the Membership Committee at 337-886-7282 or llssa@llssa.org 

The U.S. Department of Labor today announced the release of comprehensive data collected by its Occupational Safety and Health Administration on more than 890,000 workplace injuries and illnesses at more than 91,000 workplaces in calendar year 2023, including incident level details on the conditions and circumstances of injury and illness events. 

Federal electronic recordkeeping and reporting requirements require certain employers to use OSHA’s Injury Tracking Application to submit injury and illnesses reports. The posted data supports OSHA’s continued efforts to carry out the agency’s statutory mission to assure safe and healthful working conditions for working people. 

To promote understanding, OSHA has produced a video explaining the workplace injury and illness data collected by the Injury Tracking Application.

In this phase of data publication, the agency is making available workplace injury and illness incident details, including name of the employer, the location of incidents, injury or illness descriptions, workers’ activities before incidents occurred, events that caused the harm, types of injuries or illnesses, and the objects or substances involved.

“Publication of this data is a milestone in our efforts to make data on workplace injuries and illnesses more transparent,” said Assistant Secretary for Occupational Safety and Health Doug Parker. “This information is an unprecedented tool for researchers, public health officials, businesses and workers to understand the nature of workplace injuries and illnesses in this country, whether they are looking at national trends, or the factory where they work every day.”

To protect workers’ privacy, OSHA used artificial intelligence and human review to redact personally identifiable information, such as names, Social Security numbers, phone numbers, birthdates and addresses.

By making the data accessible, employers, workers, customers and the public are empowered to make informed decisions about workplace safety and health at specific establishments. It also enables researchers to identify patterns and trends in injuries, illnesses and hazardous conditions more effectively.

Learn more about OSHA’s Injury Tracking Application and OSHA’s recordkeeping and reporting requirements.

Louisiana’s legislature has enacted significant tax reforms, including reductions in personal and corporate income taxes, offset by an increase in the statewide sales tax.

Key components of the tax reform package: 

• Individual Income Tax: Implementation of a flat 3% rate, down from the previous 4.25% for high earners, resulting in a $1.3 billion tax cut.  The standard deduction for seniors has been doubled, and nearly tripled for individuals, effectively eliminating income tax for the lowest-income households. 

• Corporate Taxes: Reduction of the corporate income tax rate to a flat 5.5%, lowering the highest tier from 7.5%. Additionally, the 0.275% corporate franchise tax has been repealed.

• Sales Tax Increase: To compensate for revenue losses from the income and corporate tax cuts, the state sales tax has been increased to 5%, making Louisiana’s combined state and local sales tax the highest in the nation.

• Constitutional Changes: The reform package includes significant constitutional amendments aimed at streamlining government operations, liquidating education trust funds to pay off school debt, and providing a permanent pay raise for teachers.

Governor Jeff Landry praised the reforms as “historic,” asserting they will allow residents to retain more of their income and stimulate business investment.  However, critics argue that while the tax cuts favor corporations and higher-income individuals, the increased sales tax disproportionately impacts lower-income households, exacerbating the state’s regressive tax system.

The legislative process involved extensive negotiations, with some proposed measures, such as expanding sales taxes to additional services, encountering resistance.  Despite these challenges, the core elements of the tax reform were passed during the special legislative session. 

As the new year approaches, now is the time to take control of your business expenses and operations. Savings4Members is more than a discount program—it’s a strategic resource designed to help you save money, simplify processes, and unlock growth opportunities. Here’s how you can make the most of your member benefits:

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The Louisiana State Police (LSP) has introduced the Louisiana Applicant Processing System (LAPS), a cutting-edge initiative designed to streamline non-criminal background checks statewide. Partnering with IDEMIA, the state leverages the Universal Enrollment Platform (UEP), a robust, secure system ensuring faster, more accurate processing of applications.

Streamlining Background Checks

LAPS modernizes the background check process for both in-state and out-of-state applicants. By integrating UEP’s advanced capabilities, the system offers a mobile-friendly, accessible, and efficient solution. Applicants can now pre-enroll, schedule fingerprint appointments, and track their status online with ease.

Key features of the UEP include:

• Mobile Accessibility: Applicants can schedule appointments and check statuses from any device.
• Secure and Accurate Processing: Service codes uniquely identify the requesting agency, ensuring precise routing and results.
• Convenient Payment Options: Applicants can pay using credit/debit cards, checks, or agency-issued coupon codes.

Simplified Procedures for Applicants

The new system addresses the needs of both in-state and out-of-state applicants with tailored processes:

In-State Applicants
Applicants receive a service code tied to the requesting agency. Using this, they schedule an appointment at one of over 30 enrollment centers statewide. Fingerprints are captured electronically and processed within two days, with results returned directly to the requesting agency.

Out-of-State Applicants
For those residing outside Louisiana, the system offers two options:

1. Schedule a live-scan appointment at a nearby IDEMIA/IdentoGO center.
2. Submit printed fingerprint cards via mail for processing.

These steps ensure applicants from all regions can participate in a seamless and efficient background check process.

Cost Transparency

The cost of services varies by the type of background check requested:

• State-Only Check: Up to $47.50.
• State and Federal Check: Up to $60.75.
• Out-of-State Convenience Fee: $39.99 additional for live-scan services.

This transparent fee structure ensures applicants know the expenses upfront, while agencies have the option to prepay for multiple applicants using coupon codes.

Support and Accessibility

To assist applicants and agencies, LAPS provides multiple points of contact:

• IDEMIA Help Desk for scheduling and technical queries.
• LSP for administrative and finance-related questions.

Future-Ready Technology

The LAPS initiative positions Louisiana as a leader in leveraging biometric technology for public safety and convenience. With ongoing enhancements and the addition of new enrollment centers, LAPS continues to evolve, setting a new standard for applicant processing systems nationwide.

During the 2024 Annual Convention in Kenner LA the LLSSA elected a new President, Ron Foreman. Ron is the owner and operator of Bayou Fire Protection in Lake Charles.

Ron is not new to the position of LLSSA President as he served in this capacity between 2003 and 2007. He plans to focus his 2025 term on Growth and Improvement for the Association. Growing membership and attendance to events and improving the benefits we offer our membership specifically Education which is a passion of his. You can reach out directly to Ron at

Bayou Fire Protection, Inc 

307 Christman Road Lake Charles, LA 70615 

337-437-1230 Fax 337-437-1231

ron@bayoufire.net

bayoufire@aol.com

In accepting this position, Dera Deroche-Jolet, President in 2015 and 2019 – 2024 will step into the position of Chairman of the Board.

At their Annual Convention last month, the Louisiana Life Safety and Security Association (LLSSA) donated two K-9 Trauma kits to the Kenner K9 Division of the Police Department.  K9 Officer Muk with handler K9 Officer Eric Hill and K9 Officer Capone with handler Detective Katherine Stroyewski were presented with K9 Trauma Kits purchased with the donations form the LLSSA Membership during 2024.  These kits will go a long way to ensure Muk and Capone get immediate treatment should the unthinkable happen while on duty.

K9 officers—loyal, highly trained dogs working alongside law enforcement—play an irreplaceable role in public safety. Whether detecting explosives, tracking suspects, or conducting search-and-rescue missions, these canine heroes are often exposed to life-threatening risks. Yet, while we provide extensive medical support for human officers, many departments lack the resources to adequately address emergencies involving their four-legged partners. This is where K9 trauma kits become essential.

A K9 trauma kit is a specialized first-aid kit designed to provide immediate care for injured police dogs. These kits typically include items like:

• Bandages and gauze to stop bleeding.
• Splints for fractures.
• Burn dressings for thermal injuries.
• Muzzles to ensure the safety of handlers while administering aid.
• Oxygen masks tailored for dogs.
• Tourniquets and clotting agents to address severe wounds.

K9 officers face many of the same dangers as human officers but often without immediate access to medical care. Situations such as gunfire, vehicle accidents, and exposure to hazardous substances can result in life-threatening injuries.  Handlers can use a K9 trauma kit to stabilize their canine partner until veterinary professionals can take over. Quick intervention during the “golden hour”—the critical first hour after trauma—can mean the difference between life and death for an injured dog.

Equipping every K9 unit with a trauma kit is a mission of the LLSSA.  This year was just the beginning of the mission, and they were able to give two of the kits to the Kenner PD.  In 2025 the LLSSA would like to expand this project to help more departments across the state.  You can help by donating to the project at https://llssa.org/k9-trauma-kit-donations/ 

 Our K9 officers give their all to protect us—it’s only right that we provide them with the tools needed to protect them in return. Trauma kits are not just an investment in the safety of these animals; they are a testament to the respect and care we owe our loyal defenders