HB253 Summary

• Amends the Electronic Security Board of Licensure law to regulate alarm system installers and locksmiths, including adding motor vehicles to locksmith definition and requiring inspections of unlicensed operations.

• Changes license issuance from annual to two-year periods effective January 1, 2013, with fees not exceeding $300 for individuals and $1,500 for business entities; allows staggered renewals with prorated fees.

• Adds civil enforcement provisions including monetary penalties up to $1,000 per violation and court-ordered cease and desist orders, in addition to existing criminal penalties (Class A misdemeanor).

• Expands exemptions to include various contractors, electricians, and homebuilders whose activities are limited to their licensed scope, and property managers performing routine maintenance.

• Removes the exemption for counties with populations under 30,000, but allows individuals with five or more continuous years of burglar alarm business experience prior to the act's effective date to operate without licensing in such counties.