SB52 Alabama 2013 Session

Updated Feb 25, 2026

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Tom Whatley
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2013
Title: Electronic Security Board of Licensure, alarm installers and locksmiths, inspections of unlicensed operations, licensure dates, criminal and civil enforcement, exclusion, licensure in counties less than 30,000, Secs. 34-1A-1, 34-1A-3, 34-1A-5, 34-1A-6, 34-1A-7, 34-1A-10 am'd.
Summary: SB52 updates Alabama's Electronic Security Board licensure for alarm installers and locksmiths, adds authority to inspect unlicensed operators, and creates two-year licenses with staggered renewals plus exemptions for small counties.
What This Bill Does
Defines key terms such as alarm system, alarm system installer, and locksmith. Gives the Electronic Security Board power to license and regulate installers and locksmiths, set qualifications, require background checks and insurance, examine applicants, and discipline licensees. Establishes two-year licenses with possible staggered renewals and license display/notification requirements, and sets civil enforcement tools including fines, cease-and-desist orders, and injunctive relief. Adds authority to inspect unlicensed operations and to enforce the licensure law, with exemptions for certain activities and counties with populations under 30,000.

Who It Affects
Alarm system installers and locksmiths operating in Alabama will need licenses, pay fees, undergo background checks, display licenses, and be subject to inspections and potential penalties for violations.
Consumers and the general public will gain greater oversight and information about licensed providers, with a formal process for complaints and stronger enforcement against unlicensed or deceptive practices.

Key Provisions
Defines terms like alarm system, alarm system installer, locksmith, CCTV, and electronic access control systems to clarify who is regulated.
Authorizes the board to license and regulate alarm system installers and locksmiths, establish licensure qualifications, conduct examinations, require background checks, and revoke or suspend licenses for just cause.
Licenses are issued for a two-year period (with possible staggered renewals), are non-transferable, must be displayed publicly, and license fees are capped with provisions for monthly pro-ration if renewals are staggered.
Board can conduct inspections of unlicensed operators, investigate complaints, require liability insurance, and impose civil penalties up to $1,000 per violation, plus potential cease-and-desist orders and injunctive relief.
Creates exemptions from licensure for certain activities and entities (e.g., certain alarm-related activities performed on property, vehicle installations, over-the-counter sales, etc.) and allows counties with populations under 30,000 to opt in or out under specified conditions (including a five-year prior licensing track record).

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