On March 5, an appeal was filed on behalf of the Georgia Electronic Life Safety & System Association (GELSSA) in response to a District Court decision to not hear the case filed by ESA members in Georgia over an ordinance that fines alarm companies for allegedly false dispatches. At issue is whether alarm companies have procedural and substantive due process rights regarding a city ordinance that fines these companies for alleged "false" alarms.

The Sandy Springs, Ga. ordinance has issued thousands in fines against alarm companies without regard for the cause of the alarm, whether it be end-user error, an aborted attempt to illegally enter a dwelling or business or some other cause for which the alarm company has no control, according to ESA.

“This is a vital fight for the alarm industry and your help is crucial to protect the electronic security and life safety industry in this country,” stated a press release issued by ESA. “There are 47 states with no protections against local ordinances like the one passed in Sandy Springs and there is nothing from keeping any of the thousands of cities and counties across the country from enacting similar ordinances if Sandy Springs is successful in this legal battle . . . This legal battle can only continue with your help. Please contribute to the legal fund to pay for attorney fees and costs for this appeal. Without funding, this effort cannot continue. The Security Industry Alarm Coalition is accepting funds that will be 100 percent dedicated to paying for legal fees. Any contribution you can make will help.”

Click here to contribute. Click on the "Sandy Springs Legal" button to dedicate funds to this campaign.

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