Since 2013, TMA members have been working to reverse standards language added to NFPA-72, the National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code, which threatened our industry’s ability to provide the life safety services our customers depend on. The new language essentially requires privately-owned and operated NRTL-listed central monitoring stations to gain approval from local municipalities in order to monitor fire alarm signals. Ever since, TMA has engaged in a coordinated effort to preserve our members’ (as well as members’ customers’) interests by correcting this unfair standards language. Most recently, members came together in a remarkable display of industry solidarity at the 2018 NFPA Technical Meeting. Scores of companies sent multiple associates to vote in person (as is required) on the language. While the vote went our way in Las Vegas, ultimately the NFPA Technical Council overruled us, and our later appeal was not successful. However, we did not really “lose.” We have the council’s attention now. It is actively seeking greater representation from our industry into the pertinent committee. We will continue to pursue this initiative in 2019.