Licensing

The legislation would require anyone that operates a company that sells, installs, repairs monitors or inspects any security or life-safety system to obtain a license. It also would establish a Security or Life Safety Advisory Board responsible for the establishment of rules and procedures for issuing licenses, instituting background checks for applicants and the development of standards for the operation of security or life safety companies.

The bill passed an Assembly Commerce and Labor Committee vote and is it expected to pass the entire Assembly. Legislative staff is currently trying to rally support for the bill in the Senate. The Ohio Legislature is currently out of session until October, but the bill is expected to be voted on in the fall.

New York SB2693, "An Act Relating to the Unlicensed Activities of Installing Security or Fire Alarm Systems."

The legislation requires the state to grant a hearing to anyone charged with or accused of engaging in unlicensed installation of security or fire alarm systems. The bill also establishes fines for engaging in unlicensed installation.

The bill passed both the General Assembly and the Senate. It was signed into law August 1, 2007. Previous versions of this bill included SB3311 and HB6136.

Pennsylvania HB 254, the "Electricians Licensure Act"

This legislation, introduced by Representative Bob Godshall (R), would establish a State Board of Electrician Licensing, and require individuals performing electrical work and wiring to obtain a license. It is intended to apply to electricians performing work above ten volts.

A staff member of Representative Godshall's staff informed SIA that the legislation would likely be re-written in the fall of this year. He noted that several members of industry informed the legislator that typical low voltage work is usually considered higher than ten volts. SIA may be contacted to help re-write the legislation.