Security Services Northwest Files Lawsuit to Halt Washington's "Tax on Safety"

SEQUIM, Wash., Oct. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Security Services Northwest, Inc. (SSNW) filed a lawsuit on September 30 in Thurston County Superior Court challenging Washington's new sales-tax expansion that applies to security officers, armored car services, and alarm/video monitoring.

The company argues that the new law—effective October 1, 2025—imposes a direct tax on public safety and will force many businesses, schools, and nonprofits to reduce or eliminate essential security coverage.

"Taxing safety is reckless," said Joe D'Amico, President of SSNW. "This policy punishes communities trying to stay safe and makes protection less affordable for everyone."

Legal Basis

• Uniformity Clause (WA Const. Art. VII) – The State cannot draw irrational lines; taxing frontline safety services while exempting comparable professional services is unequal treatment.
  
  
• Due Process / Equal Protection (WA & U.S. Constitutions) – When a law undercuts public safety without a rational basis, it's arbitrary.
  
  
• Public Interest – Courts should preserve the status quo when a new tax risks immediate harm through reduced coverage and higher exposure to crime.

SSNW is seeking a temporary restraining order to pause enforcement while the court considers the case.

A related statement has been posted on SSNW's official Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/ssnwhq), emphasizing that safety should never be treated as a taxable commodity.

About Security Services Northwest, Inc.

Founded in 1977 and headquartered in Sequim, WA, Security Services Northwest, Inc. is a full-service security provider serving Washington, Oregon, California, Nevada, Utah, Idaho, Alaska, and beyond. With more than 700 highly trained employees, SSNW delivers a wide range of services, including armed and unarmed security officers, maritime patrol, K-9 units, remote video monitoring, alarm installation, and mobile "Blue Light" security towers. SSNW is a proud veteran-supporting company and is recognized under the Washington State DES Contract.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Security Services Northwest, Inc.

Address: 250 Center Park Way, Sequim, WA 98382

Phone: 800-859-3463

Email: info@ssnwhq.com

Website: ssnwhq.com

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SOURCE Security Services Northwest