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The TBFAA Transmitter is brought to you by the Texas Burglar & Fire Alarm Association (TBFAA). Some material is provided by the National Monitor, a service of the National Electronic Security Alliance (NESA).

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TEXAS NEWS

Texas House Speaker Phelan: Capitol changes coming after COVID-19 rules lift

Mar 8, 2021

Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan revealed the interface between lawmakers and the public may change in light of the governor’s lifting the statewide mask mandate and pandemic-related restrictions on March 10.

IRS Extends April 15 and Other Tax Deadlines for Texas and Oklahoma Residents

Mar 1, 2021

Following FEMA’s recent disaster declaration for winter storms in Texas and Oklahoma, victims of the recent winter storms in those states get more time to file and pay taxes.

Texas Winter Storm Support Resources

Feb 28, 2021

mall Business Loans Low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration are available to businesses, homeowners and renters.

Loans available for Texas businesses impacted by cold weather crisis

Feb 22, 2021

Small Business Administration’s acting Administrator Tami L. Perriello has announced that low-interest federal disaster loans are now available to Texas businesses and residents as a result of President Joe Biden’s major disaster declaration following historically cold weather.

TDI proposes to eliminate pocket license requirement

Feb 21, 2021

he Texas Department of Insurance has proposed a rule change to eliminate the requirement that fire protection licensees carry a pocket license and to remove language related to an obsolete license type.

FEATURED ARTICLES

Vector Flow Debuts Physical Security Automation Platform

Vector Flow’s security platform derives intelligence from physical security data by creating domain specific AI and data-centric models.

ESX Cancels In-Person Event, Will Pivot to Virtual Experience

ESX stated that it was canceling the 2021 in-person edition of its event “out of an abundance of concern for the well-being of our community.”

Brinks Rebrands to Focus on Smart Home

Along with the updated company name of simply Brinks Home, the brand refresh will also include a new logo and brand strategy.

3.8.21 – NESA National Monitor

Public Safety Updates GA: Brookhaven touts success of fining companies for false alarms ...3.3.21 - AJC - ...

BUSINESS TIPS

More COVID Relief That Can Help Your Business And Customers Is About To Pass

The $1.9 trillion COVID relief program is expected to pass this weekend, and it includes funding that can help your company and your clients.

When should you replace your personal protective equipment?

On dangerous or risky job sites, and within certain environments, personal protective equipment (PPE) must be worn at all times. It makes perfect sense, because the gear is designed specifically to mitigate severe or fatal accidents. Helmets, for example, protect the head from falling objects, overhead fixtures, and much more.

Regional Wage & Salary Breakdowns for CI Industry Reveal Wide Disparity

Overall, dealers report they increased their employee wages by a miniscule 0.2% in 2020. Use this interactive map to find your region.

Research Shows Smart Locks Have Major Potential to Be Gateway for Smart Home Devices

Nearly half of smart door lock owners purchased a smart door lock as their first smart home device — a fairly sizable margin over other popular devices.

Survey: 75% of Organizations Say COVID Increased Importance of Physical Security

Brivo’s 2021 Smart Security Trends Report explores security impacts from COVID-19, as well as technology, Cloud and data utilization trends shaping the landscape.

Security System Purchasing Trends: Examining ADT’s Recent Partnerships & the Retail Channel

ADT’s recent moves suggest a continued focus on professional installation as COVID-19 restrictions begin to lift, however, 45% of consumers report purchasing their security system through the retail

Looking Beyond the Price Per Door: How Incorporating Wireless Solutions Impacts Your Business

Charging recurring fees for access control services at lower price points provides a reliable revenue stream, and happier customers.

STATE & AFFILIATE NEWS

FARA News
Arkansas News
Kansas News
Louisiana News
Maryland News
Mississippi News
Oklahoma News

Brookhaven touts success of fining companies for false alarms. A bill could change that.

The bill would stop cities from enforcing fines on alarm companies for “a false alarm that occurs through no fault” of their own. ... Brookhaven touts success of fining companies for false alarms. A bill could change that. Stephen ...

Arkansas leaders say battle to end robocalls has only just begun

Arkansas leaders agree, the battle to end robocalls has only just begun. Almost two years after laws went on the books trying to curtail robocalls in Arkansas, the attorney general thinks she's found the culprit standing in her way.... "We have to require these phone companies to stop those robocalls."

Kansas lawmakers look to protect businesses, debate vaccines

Kansas lawmakers moved Tuesday to extend protections for businesses from lawsuits over COVID-19, while a prominent critic of Democratic ...

Tax reform, infrastructure among Louisiana business community’s priorities in 2021

Louisiana Association of Business and Industry President and CEO Stephen Waguespack said phasing out the state's inventory and franchise taxes, lowering its income tax and centralizing sales tax collections will be on the organization's wish list for the 2021 regular session, which begins April 12.

Maryland Attorney General warns of COVID consumer scams

As if coping with the impact of the coronavirus this past year isn’t enough of a challenge, there’s been a dramatic rise in consumer scams along with it.

NFIB: With the Income Tax Bill, ‘The Devil’s in the Details’

“While our members support the idea of eliminating the state individual income tax, the devil’s in the details, and HB 1439 would end up helping some small business owners but raising taxes on specific industries such as manufacturing and farming. In addition, it would increase the cost of doing business in Mississippi by increasing the sales tax on business inputs such as equipment.

Bill that would expand apprenticeships, internships heading to Oklahoma House

SB 619 would also direct the State Board of Education to review apprenticeships and internships to determine if they are eligible for academic credit toward meeting graduation requirements. “The main goal with this bill is to help students be career ready after graduation