Current Key Policy Initiatives:Download a copy of the Safer Buildings Coalition Current Key Policy Initiatives Document HERE Tax Code Section 179 of the IRS tax code allows businesses to deduct the full purchase price of qualifying equipment and/or software purchased or financed during the tax year. Qualifying property includes certain improvements to existing non-residential buildings: fire suppression, alarms and security systems, HVAC, and roofing. The Safer Buildings Coalition believes a drafting error in the bill left out in-building wireless infrastructure improvements and that the code should be revised to: ■ Include in-building wireless infrastructure for public safety communications as Qualifying Property - including cellular and Public Safety radio - BECAUSE people must be able to dial 911 using their mobile device, the National Public Safety Broadband Network (FirstNet) uses cellular bands, and First Responders must have working communications. ■ Extend the 100% bonus depreciation for future tax years. ■ The proposed Fire Sprinkler Incentive Act [H.R.1481 and S.602 — 115th Congress (2017-2018)] is related but should be revised to include wireless infrastructure in addition to sprinklers.
School Safety Recent tragedies have demonstrated a critical need to protect our children in schools. The general population has indicated bi-partisan support for making schools safer through “school hardening” and other technology improvements. EXAMPLES: Florida recently passed the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Act [Florida Senate Bill 7026] that appropriated $400 million, which includes $98 million to implement a grant program for improving and hardening the physical security of school buildings. In Colorado, state Sen. Don Coram [(R) Montrose] has sponsored a bill [Colorado SB18-158] that would provide grants to schools that want to buy radio technology that allows them to communicate more directly with emergency responders. Speaker of the House Crisanta Duran [(D) Denver] is a co-sponsor of the bill. The Safer Buildings Coalition seeks support for federal legislation that would provide matching grants or other subsidies to states who implement programs to improve in-building wireless infrastructure for public safety communications - including cellular and Public Safety radio - BECAUSE people must be able to dial 911 using their mobile device, the National Public Safety Broadband Network (FirstNet) uses cellular bands, and First Responders must have working communications.
Current Key Policy Initiatives: |