SB265 Alabama 2018 Session

Updated Feb 26, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Cam Ward
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2018
Title: Electronic Security Board of Licensure, alarm system installer changed to system installer, bd. authorized to meet via video conference, provide further for persons of bd and exemptions, criminal penalties provided for certain activities, Secs. 34-1A-1 to 34-1A-8, inclusive, am'd.
Summary: SB 265 updates Alabama's Electronic Security Board of Licensure by renaming alarm system installers to system installers, clarifying locksmith definitions, expanding board powers and allowing video conference meetings, and adding penalties for unlicensed advertising and certain elder-protection violations.
What This Bill Does
It renames alarm system installer to system installer and clarifies the locksmith definition. It authorizes the board and its committees to meet via video conference. It broadens the board's regulatory powers, including licensure, examinations, disciplinary actions, inspections, insurance requirements, and rulemaking. It imposes criminal penalties for advertising or practicing without a license, for licensees who operate while on probation or parole without notifying the board, and for unsolicited sales or installation at homes of people 60 or older or lacking mental capacity; it also provides for injunctions and fines.

Who It Affects
Licensees and license applicants (system installers, locksmiths, alarm monitoring companies, etc.) who must meet qualifications, obtain licenses, display license information, and may face penalties or disciplinary actions.
Consumers and the general public, who gain stronger protections, access to consumer information and complaint processes, and safeguards against unlicensed advertising or solicitation, especially for seniors or individuals with diminished capacity.

Key Provisions
Redefines 'alarm system installer' as 'system installer' and clarifies the definition of 'locksmith' in the licensing framework.
Allows the board and its committees to hold meetings via video conference and counts video attendance as presence for official business.
Expands the board's powers to license, regulate, examine, suspend/revoke licenses, set fees, adopt rules, conduct inspections, require insurance, and enforce ethics and consumer protections.
Imposes criminal penalties for advertising alarm system or locksmith services without an active license, or for practicing while on probation/parole without notifying the board, and for unsolicited sales or installations at homes of people 60+ or lacking mental capacity; provides for injunctions and civil penalties.
Contains exemptions for certain activities from licensing requirements and states the act's effective date; notes that local government expenditure provisions are exempt due to constitutional exceptions.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Electronic Security Board of Licensure