2026 -- H 7970 | |
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LC005817 | |
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STATE OF RHODE ISLAND | |
IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY | |
JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026 | |
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A N A C T | |
RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- MECHANICAL TRADES | |
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Introduced By: Representatives Furtado, Casimiro, McGaw, Donovan, Alzate, and | |
Date Introduced: February 27, 2026 | |
Referred To: House Labor | |
It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows: | |
1 | SECTION 1. Chapter 28-27 of the General Laws entitled "Mechanical Trades" is hereby |
2 | amended by adding thereto the following section: |
3 | 28-27-35. Locksmith licensing. |
4 | (a) Definitions. For purposes of this section: |
5 | (1) “Apprentice locksmith” means an individual performing locksmithing under the direct |
6 | supervision of a licensed locksmith while completing required training or work experience. |
7 | (2) “Department” means the Rhode Island department of labor and training. |
8 | (3) “Locksmith” in Rhode Island means any person who installs, services, repairs, rekeys, |
9 | or opens locks or locking devices. |
10 | (4) “Locksmithing” means performing any activity defined under “locksmith,” including |
11 | key duplication and security system servicing. |
12 | (b) License required. No person shall engage in locksmithing or hold themselves out as a |
13 | locksmith in Rhode Island without a valid locksmith license issued by the department. |
14 | (c) Application for license. |
15 | (1) Applicants shall submit to the department: |
16 | (i) A completed application form with name, residence, and business address; |
17 | (ii) A recent photograph; |
18 | (iii) A certified criminal records background check issued by the attorney general or |
19 | municipal police department in which the individual resides; |
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1 | (iv) Proof of training or apprenticeship; |
2 | (v) The application fee as determined by the department. |
3 | (2) The department may deny, suspend, or revoke a license if the applicant has a criminal |
4 | conviction involving theft, fraud, violence, or dishonesty that bears on suitability to perform |
5 | locksmithing. |
6 | (d) Disciplinary actions. The department may suspend, revoke, or refuse renewal of a |
7 | locksmith license for: |
8 | (1) Fraud or misrepresentation in obtaining a license; |
9 | (2) Criminal conduct related to locksmithing; or |
10 | (3) Violations of this chapter or department regulations. |
11 | (e) Exemptions. This section does not apply to: |
12 | (1) Federal, state, or local government employees performing official duties; |
13 | (2) Retail employees duplicating keys on site under employer supervision; or |
14 | (3) Homeowners performing locksmithing on their own property. |
15 | (f) Rules and regulations. The department shall adopt such rules and regulations as are |
16 | necessary to implement this chapter, including licensing procedures, examinations, fees, |
17 | recordkeeping standards, and disciplinary processes. |
18 | SECTION 2. This act shall take effect on January 1, 2027. |
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EXPLANATION | |
BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL | |
OF | |
A N A C T | |
RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- MECHANICAL TRADES | |
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1 | This act would require that locksmiths in Rhode Island must be licensed and have passed |
2 | a criminal background check. |
3 | This act would take effect on January 1, 2027. |
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