CEA Meets with State Legislators to Discuss Consumer Technology Policy Initiatives

"The technology industry is increasingly fighting policy battles at the state level, and we are here to ensure that state lawmakers understand the consumer technology industry and include our input in relevant debates," Douglas Johnson, CEA's senior director of technology policy, says.

Technology is a major focus of the 2005 NCSL conference. Microsoft's Bill Gates is delivering the keynote address and about one-quarter of the week's 150 conference sessions relate to high-tech issues facing state legislatures.

As a panel participant and conference exhibitor, CEA, representing more than 2,000 high-tech companies, seeks to highlight and discuss the industry's 2005-2006 state policy agenda with state lawmakers.

CEA's list of key state tech policy initiatives and policy positions include:

·        E-scrap and Electronics Recycling—CEA says it is committed to finding a common-sense, national approach to the challenge that end-of-life electronics presents. This will provide certainty and consistency for manufacturers, retailers, consumers and governments alike, according to the CEA. The association says that the emerging patchwork of state initiatives will place unnecessary burdens on technology companies, retailers and consumers.

·        Energy Efficiency—CEA says it is committed to working with state governments and other stakeholders in developing balanced approaches to energy consumption issues. CEA is opposed to government-mandated standards that reduce consumer choice, limit product offerings and stifle innovation.

·        In-vehicle Electronics and Driver Focus—Action to address concerns over in-vehicle electronics and driver focus should continue through research, comprehensive public education campaigns and enforcement of existing negligent and reckless driving laws, according to the CEA. Regarding in-vehicle video displays, CEA supports model legislation that encourages a consistent regulatory approach across the 50 states, which benefits consumers, industry and the law enforcement community.

·        Regulation of Electronic Systems Integrators and Installers—The licensing and regulation of home electronic systems integrators and installers should be conducted in a consistent and equitable fashion, according to the CEA. In some states, legislative proposals have favored organized labor and made it difficult for independent installers and other companies to compete. CEA and other organizations are concerned about the impact of such legislation on consumers, local businesses and qualified home systems installers. A growing number of businesses and organizations are competing to meet consumer demand for entertainment, security, automation and networking systems in the home.

The Consumer Electronics Association is a trade association promoting growth in the consumer technology industry through technology policy, events, research, promotion and the fostering of business and strategic relationships. CEA represents more than 2,000 corporate members involved in the design, development, manufacturing, distribution and integration of audio, video, mobile electronics, wireless and landline communications, information technology, home networking, multimedia and accessory products, as well as related services that are sold through consumer channels. Combined, CEA's members account for more than $90 billion in annual sales.