SB85 Alabama 2013 Session

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

SB85 would broaden and tighten regulation of alarm installers and locksmiths in Alabama by expanding locksmith scope to vehicle locks, giving the board new enforcement powers, and changing how licenses are issued and exempted.

What This Bill Does

It expands the locksmith definition to include installation or service of locks for motor vehicles. It gives the Electronic Security Board the authority to inspect unlicensed work and enforce rules through civil actions and fines. It changes licensing to two-year terms with renewals that can be staggered and removes a fixed December 31 expiration. It creates exemptions for lock sales sold over the counter or by mail order and allows small counties to be exempt from licensure under certain conditions.

Who It Affects

• Alarm system installers and locksmiths (and their businesses) would need to obtain licenses, comply with insurance, ID, advertising, contract disclosure, and may face civil penalties for violations.
• Lock sellers who only sell locks over the counter or by mail order, and alarm installers in very small counties that meet the exemption conditions, would be exempt from licensure (subject to specific rules or county elections to be covered).

Key Provisions

• Definition of locksmith expanded to include installation or service of locks for motor vehicles.
• Board powers expanded to include inspecting unlicensed operations and enforcing compliance through civil actions, injunctive relief, and civil fines.
• Licenses issued for two-year periods with renewals potentially staggered; license expiration date no longer fixed at December 31.
• Exemptions clarified: businesses selling locks only over the counter or by mail order are exempt; counties with populations under 30,000 may be exempt from licensure unless conditions apply (e.g., county elects coverage or prior licenses).
• License fees set by the board (with caps) and other licensee requirements (background checks, insurance, ID cards, display of license, advertising disclosures).
• Consumer protection and record confidentiality provisions, plus authority for the board to issue cease-and-desist orders and pursue penalties.

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