CCTV is not a "Lock"

We need your support to protect our industry

Is a Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) System a lock?

Does a Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) system meet your definition of a lock? According to the recently introduced Georgia House Bill HB-107 CCTV systems have been included in the definition of a lock. The passing of this bill will negatively impact public safety and licensed electrical contractors in the State of Georgia. The NLVCA is taking action to modify this bill and place the jurisdiction of locksmith’s regulation under the Georgia State Construction Industry Licensing Board and require that locksmiths meet the current electrical licensing requirements set forth by the Construction Industry Licensing Board.

How this Legislation Adversely Affects Electrical Contractors and the Public

This Legislative Bill is being introduced to the Georgia State Assembly to regulate Locksmiths through licensing. However, this legislation also defines the word "Lock" as a mechanical, electromechanical, electronic, or electromagnetic device or similar device, including, but not limited to, any peripheral hardware such as, a closed-circuit television system, wireless or infrared transmitter, card reader, keypad, or bio metric scanner, that is designed to control access to and egress from something or are designed to control the use of something.

The passing of this legislation in Georgia would allow locksmiths to become licensed via a newly created State Board of Locksmiths and not the existing Georgia State Construction Industry Licensing Board. Technical and business testing and relevant electrical experience is not required as part of the approval process thus opening the door for unqualified individuals without the necessary knowledge, qualifications and electrical experience level to install, service and maintain low voltage systems. This proposed bill is a back door for unqualified, untested, and inexperienced individuals to conduct low voltage system installations, service and maintenance, consequently endangering the public.

The Locksmith Industry is Lobbying Heavily for the Passage of this Legislation

The Locksmith Association aggressively places lobbyist at the State's Capital to fight for the passage of their legislation. Without proper representation opposing this legislation, contractors in the Electrical Industry will soon have to compete with unqualified Locksmiths for low voltage work in Georgia.

"The locksmith associations in Florida have retained permanent representation at the Capital to make sure our bill gets passed."

Association Locksmith of America Member Newsletter - January 2010

"More and more, we are seeing companies marketing themselves as security providers who have minimal exposure to the security industry as a whole. Especially with the rapid onset of electronic security in common applications, we are running into more individuals who have negligible training in physical security--they have learned overnight to install something that they do not really understand, and they have little or no background in deciding whether the product choice is appropriate for a particular application. Often they are employed by companies that only make or produce one product; therefore it is unlikely that a comprehensive security analysis is going to take place for the customer."

Mr. Robert E. Mock, President (2005-2007) Association Locksmith of America

"Today, the security marketplace is flooded with options often unknown to those in fields outside locksmithing. Even a vendor in a related industry who is aware of a new security product is unlikely to have the judgment or qualifications of a highly trained and experienced locksmith."

Mr. Robert E. Mock, President (2005-2007) Association Locksmith of America

How do you feel about Locksmiths taking Your Electrical Security Work?

Mr. Hans Mejlshede		"Overcharging. Billing for unnecessary services. Intimidation tactics. Scammers are the single biggest problem for locksmiths in the U.S., as their disreputable business practices tarnish the industry’s reputation and put consumers at risk."
		Mr. Hans Mejlshede, CML, President Association Locksmith of America

Electrical Contractors and the General Public Should Be Very Concerned

If this Legislation is passed in its current form it will allow unqualified Locksmiths to do the same electrical security work as licensed electrical contractors. This loophole in the law must not be created!

This Legislation has been presented to the Georgia House of Representatives for it's second reading and may become law if action is not taken now. Many Congressman in Georgia are unaware of the opposition to this Legislation as it is currently written or how it will affect electrical contractors and their business. The NLVCA Legislative network team has been actively working with the Georgia State Construction Industry Licensing Board as well as several members of the General Assembly to expose the danger and hardship this Legislation will have on the electrical industry and the many individuals in our industry. But, the NLVCA needs your help. We urge you to contact your State Representatives and Senators and voice your objection to this legislation.


If We Don't Stop this Legislation... No One Else Will!


               

Georgia House of Representatives Bill 107 - lines 71 to 75 Definition of a "Lock"

 

Georgia House Committee of Regulated Industries receives House Bill 107

Georgia House Committee of Regulated Industries: Roger Williams (Chairman), Sean Jerguson (Vice Chairman), Tom Dickson (Secretary),Timothy Bearden, Virgil Fludd, Billy Mitchell, Jay Shaw, Sharon Cooper, Lynmore James, Alan Powell, Carl Epps, Billy Maddox, and Matt Ramsey.

Electrical contractors and concerned citizens are encouraged to contact the above State Representatives to express their opinion with the way this bill is written and sign the NLVCA petition so the NLVCA can petition the Georgia legislature to act in your behalf.

Legislative Sponsors of Georgia House Bill 107

Links:

Georgia General Assembly Home Page

Georgia House of Representatives

Georgia Senators

Georgia House Bill 107

Sign the NLVCA Petition to modify Georgia legislative House Bill 107

Your submittal of this petition to the NLVCA indicates your opposition to the currently drafted Georgia House Bill HB-107 and similar legislation that would authorize locksmiths to install, repair and/or service alarm and low voltage systems as defined and regulated by the Georgia State Construction Industry Licensing Board without first meeting the current Licensing Board qualifications; required technical testing, criminal background check, insurance and job experience.

	Please enter your information below: Name: Title   First   Last   Mr. Mrs. Ms. Dr.     Email: Confirm Email:   Street Address:   City/State/ZIP:   City State ZIP    GA AK AL AR AZ CA CO CT DC DE FL GA HI IA ID IL IN KS KY LA MA MD ME MI MN MO MS MT NC ND NE NH NJ NM NV NY OH OK OR PA RI SC SD TN TX UT VA VT WA WI WV WY     Phone Number:   Signature: By electronically signing this petition you are affirming this information is correct. Keep me informed about this and other relevant information and legislation.

               

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