As policymakers across the United States convene for the 2024 legislative cycle, key policy trends impacting the security industry are evolving rapidly, shaped by technological advancements and shifting political priorities. As with any industry, legislative and public policy trends in the coming year have the potential to influence business planning, the supply chain and manufacturing, and even impact end users of the security industry’s products and services.

In this dynamic environment, three key issues being prioritized by lawmakers in 2024 which demand the security industry’s attention are artificial intelligence (AI), data privacy and school security.

Artificial Intelligence

While AI was barely on most legislators’ radar screens a year ago, it has quickly become one of the top policy issues at all levels of government and will only continue to become more of a focus throughout 2024. While some states began to formally study the implications of AI and potential policies around it in 2023, a considerable amount of legislative planning and activity is now underway, due to the expectation of state lawmakers that any federal congressional action will be slow moving and the lack of clarity so far on the direction the federal government wants to take, especially in relation to some of the more burdensome and restrictive approaches to AI regulations we are seeing globally.

AI has emerged as a transformative force across industries, from health care to finance and education, and the security industry is at the center of this transformation. As lawmakers grapple with the ethical, legal and economic implications of AI, the regulatory landscape is likely to witness significant changes in 2024. The Security Industry Association (SIA) launched the SIA AI Advisory Board in 2023 with the mission of engaging regulators and policymakers on emerging AI issues and to help guide the development of standards, promote ethical AI applications for equitable outcomes and support continued technological innovation and leadership in AI within the security industry.

Data Privacy

As data continues to not only be a valuable commodity but a useful resource for continuously advancing technologies, concerns around privacy and security have intensified in recent years. In 2024, lawmakers will continue building on the recent trend of strengthening data protection laws and empowering individuals with more control over their personal information.

Some of the key areas of data protection and privacy being debated are accountability around data breaches, encouraging more robust cybersecurity practices, consent and transparency. Following a wave of states enacting comprehensive data privacy laws in 2023, a total of 13 states now have comprehensive data privacy laws that include biometrics. Beginning with Virginia in 2021, a majority of these states have adopted a framework based in part on the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) with strong bipartisan support, and we can expect this trend to continue into 2024. 

As state-level data privacy laws continue to be enacted across the country, SIA has developed a reference guide to state laws addressing  biometric information and how security solutions are impacted, to serve as a starting point for businesses and industry suppliers navigating the legal landscape around biometrics and data privacy.

School Security

Sadly, the safety of students and school faculty has become a needed area of improvement and top priority for lawmakers at all levels of government, prompting the need to reevaluate and allocate resources to enhance school security measures.

In 2023 we saw a record number of school security-related bills filed at the state and federal levels, and we can expect that number to continue to rise well into 2024. As of November 2023, 28 states have adopted a clearly defined avenue for school security funding with several federal options still available as well. Some of the key trends for school security legislation have been increased funding and requirements for school infrastructure, including the installation of security systems, cameras, emergency response and communications systems, access control and perimeter security measures, along with an intensified focus on mental health and security personnel to create a holistic approach to school safety. 

As the security industry navigates the complexities of the 2024 legislative cycle, AI, data privacy and school security will undoubtedly shape the legal and regulatory landscape and face potentially unprecedented changes. Staying informed and engaged in the ongoing discussions surrounding these topics will be crucial for businesses, end users and the security community alike. By actively participating in the dialogue, we can contribute to the development of responsible and effective policies that foster innovation, protect privacy and ensure the safety of our educational institutions.