Bill > H829

This bill modernizes the Locksmith Licensing Act by introducing several key changes to enhance regulation and oversight of locksmith businesses and professionals in North Carolina. The bill requires locksmith businesses to obtain an annual business license, clarifies that individual locksmiths must be employed by or associated with a licensed locksmith business, and expands licensing requirements to include corporations, companies, firms, and sole proprietorships providing locksmith services. The legislation modifies apprentice licensing by requiring 16 hours of technical training, allowing apprentices to renew their license for one additional three-year term, and increasing the maximum number of apprentices a licensed locksmith can supervise from two to three. The bill also updates disciplinary procedures, allowing the North Carolina Locksmith Licensing Board to take action against a business license if any employee violates regulations, and adds some new exemptions to licensing requirements, such as for emergency roadside assistance companies. Additionally, the bill introduces a new business license fee of $100 and allows the Board to seek attorneys' fees in injunction cases. The changes aim to professionalize the locksmith industry, ensure better consumer protection, and create more comprehensive oversight of locksmith services. The new provisions will become effective on October 1, 2025.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs, Justice

https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/H829