The Electronic Security Association introduced the SECURE Act, a proposal aimed at bringing accountability to election protection spending by setting clear guidelines for using campaign funds on professional security services and highlighting the role of licensed, code-compliant security experts.
The measure, officially called Safeguarding Election Candidates Using Reasonable Expenditures, “provides a clear framework that allows candidates and elected officials to use campaign funds for professional security services,” according to the ESA announcement. It reflects work by security professionals and advocacy groups seeking uniform rules at the state level.
The announcement states that the Act “clarifies that campaign funds can be used for legitimate security needs such as alarms, video surveillance, access control systems and monitoring services when performed by licensed and qualified professionals.” It notes that the legislation “aims to close long-standing gaps in state laws and ensures that public servants can take reasonable steps to protect themselves and their families.” Those gaps have sometimes left officials without clear funding authority.
Kevin Stone, chairman of the board for ESA and chief operating officer of Doyle Security, points to growing threats against public servants. “The safety of those who serve in public office should never be left to chance,” he says. “With the SECURE Act, ESA is helping state legislatures provide a common-sense solution, one that empowers candidates and elected officials to protect themselves and their families through the use of licensed, professional security providers.” He stresses the industry’s commitment to public safety and responsible stewardship.
The model language includes several key provisions:
• Authorizes campaign spending on legitimate physical security and monitoring tied to public service.
• Requires licensed professionals to perform all installation and monitoring.
• Caps total spending at $10,000 per campaign cycle.
• Maintains full transparency through itemized receipts and reporting.
• Prohibits firearms, ammunition and payments to family members.
Holly Borgmann, chairperson of ESA’s Government Relations Committee and vice president of government affairs at ADT, warns that politically motivated violence has put decorum and public debate at risk. “The security industry is deeply concerned with recent acts of political violence that threaten our country’s tradition of courteous discourse and public debate,” she says. These incidents have raised alarms among candidates, staff and communities nationwide.
“The SECURE Act gives candidates for public office access to resources to better protect themselves, their families, their staffs and their homes as they work to craft a better policy environment for their communities,” she says. “Providing candidates with a clear framework for how campaign funds can be used for legitimate security needs is both timely and necessary.” Borgmann says ESA must advance thoughtful, effective policy that serves the public good.
The association’s announcement adds that ESA developed the SECURE Act “to provide consistency and accountability and highlight the critical role of licensed, code-compliant security professionals.” The group plans to bring this model language to state legislatures in early 2026 and seeks backing from member companies, state associations and industry partners before those sessions begin.
