HB 1342 Summary

• Renames the "Mississippi Residential Electronic Protection Licensing Act" to the "Mississippi Electronic Protection Licensing Act" and expands its scope beyond residential systems to include commercial electronic protective systems.

• Grants the State Fire Marshal subpoena power for investigations and witness examination, and requires all individuals engaged in alarm contracting to hold appropriate valid licenses issued by the State Fire Marshal.

• Establishes four individual license classes (B, C, D, H) with specific training requirements; Class H (Helper) licensees may only assist under direct supervision and cannot work on control panels or primary power sources.

• Increases license fees: Class A company licenses from $350 to $450, individual Class B/C/D/H licenses from $50 to $150, with annual renewals at $50 for individuals and $200 for companies.

• Adds civil penalties up to $5,000 per violation (maximum $1,000,000 for related violations within one year) and criminal penalties of up to $1,000 fine or one year imprisonment for knowingly engaging in unlicensed alarm contracting.