In a recent blog post, Ken Kirshenbaum questioned the need for recently passed state legislation—supported by NYESLA, the national Security Industry Association, and ADT– limiting the power of local governments (cities, counties, towns, villages), to fine alarm and central monitoring companies, rather than the end-user, for false alarms. Mr. Kirschenbaum is concerned that it will “permit” local governments to fine alarm companies for false alarms. The reality is that they already can, and throughout the US, many already have.
There is nothing in state law now that limits or prohibits local governments from fining the alarm company—not the end-user—for each and every false alarm in their jurisdiction. As local governments seek new sources of revenue, many are turning to novel ways to raise money. Alarm companies and central stations are an easy target.
Numerous local governments in New York already have some form of false alarm law in place. These have mostly fined the end-user, either for operator error, or for failing to maintain their systems. But as local governments look for new revenues, some have, or are, considering laws that fine the alarm company, not the end-user, for every false alarm—regardless of what, or who, triggered the false alarm.
Just a few years ago, for example, the City of Albany considered a local law fining alarm companies and central stations, and not the end-user, for every false alarm in the City. They went as far as budgeting more than $100,000 in expected revenue from such fines. At the time, NYESLA worked with local alarm companies to convince the City Council and the Mayor it was a bad idea. Make no mistake, once one local government enacts a law like that, many will follow. That’s why it’s important to be proactive and get out in front of an issue like this. It’s a lot easier to stop something from happening before it happens than to deal with the fallout later.
Local governments all across the nation have, or have tried, to pass local laws fining alarm and central station companies for every false alarm. As an example, the alarm ordinance passed in Sandy Spring, GA, was typical. Their law required the company that installs and services an alarm to register and makes the company responsible for all false alarm fines. The fines escalate quickly: $25 for a first offense; $250 for the second and third; and $500 for all subsequent offenses. There’s nothing stopping, or limiting, any local government in New York from doing the same right now—and that’s why this legislation is needed.
Many other states, including California, Tennessee, Maryland and Georgia, have already passed similar, common-sense legislation, limiting the power of local governments to fine alarm companies. The sky hasn’t fallen in those states, and local governments are not suddenly rushing to pass new laws fining alarm and monitoring companies. In fact, just the opposite.
Mr. Kirschenbaum is not wrong to advise alarm companies to have adequate legal protections in their customer contracts. We support Mr. Kirschenbaum and the great work he does as an advocate for the industry but our belief is that he is incorrect on this issue. We would encourage any alarm companies in New York State to reach out to us at NYELSA. We welcome a discussion with any concerned parties and believe wholeheartedly that this decision is in the best interest of all alarm companies operating in the Empire State.
About The NYELSA
The New York Electronic & Life Safety Association (NYELSA) represents the interests of the New York Electronic Life & Security Industry. The NYELSA is the premier and only state wide trade association for the New York Alarm Industry. The NYELSA represents Security Alarm Companies, Manufacturers, and Distributors that do business in the State of New York.
- Statement from NYELSA Regarding False Alarm Ordinances - July 22, 2025
