SB253 Alabama 2012 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Cam Ward

Republican

Co-Sponsor

Tom Whatley

Session

Regular Session 2012

Title

Electronic Security Board of Licensure, alarm installers and locksmiths, inspections of unlicensed operations, licensure dates, criminal and civil enforcement, exclude motor vehicle locks and business selling locks, exemption of counties with population of 30,000 or less repealed, Secs. 34-1A-1, 34-1A-3, 34-1A-5, 34-1A-6, 34-1A-7 am'd.; Sec. 34-1A-10 repealed

Summary

SB253 updates Alabama's licensure for alarm installers and locksmiths by expanding locksmith scope, boosting enforcement, and removing small-county exemptions.

What This Bill Does

It expands locksmith to include motor vehicle lock installation or service and gives the Electronic Security Board authority to inspect unlicensed operations. Licenses would be issued for two-year periods, with renewals potentially staggered; licenses would expire December 31 unless renewed. The bill also repeals the small-county exemption and clarifies exemptions for over-the-counter or mail-order lock sales.

Who It Affects

• Alarm system installers and locksmiths: will face a broader definition of locksmith, new licensure terms, potential inspections of unlicensed work, and possible civil or criminal penalties for violations.
• Counties with small populations: that were previously exempt from licensure would no longer be exempt and would fall under the board's regulatory authority.

Key Provisions

• Redefines locksmith to include installation or service of locks for motor vehicles.
• Authorizes the board to inspect unlicensed alarm system installers and locksmiths and regulate their activities.
• License term set at two years with potential staggered renewals; licenses expire December 31 unless renewed.
• Exempts only over-the-counter or mail-order lock sales; repeals exemption for counties with 30,000 or fewer residents from licensure.
• Establishes civil enforcement measures including injunctive relief and monetary penalties up to $1,000 per violation; allows the board to recover costs and attorney fees and issue cease-and-desist orders.
• Requires background checks or fingerprinting as part of licensure, citizenship or legal presence verification, license display, consumer information obligations, and minimum liability insurance for licensees; imposes contract and complaint-disclosure requirements.
• Conidentiality provision for alarm system location data; limits access to alarm records to the board and required disclosures.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 25, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Electronic Security Board of Licensure