AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- MECHANICAL TRADES (Requires that locksmiths in Rhode Island must be licensed and have passed a criminal background check.)

H7970

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

Introduced By:
Representatives Furtado, Casimiro, McGaw, Donovan, Alzate, and
Messier

Date Introduced:
February 27, 2026

Referred To:
House Labor
It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:
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SECTION 1. Chapter 28-27 of the General Laws entitled "Mechanical Trades" is hereby
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amended by adding thereto the following section:
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28-27-35. Locksmith licensing.

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(a) Definitions. For purposes of this section:
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(1) “Apprentice locksmith” means an individual performing locksmithing under the direct
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supervision of a licensed locksmith while completing required training or work experience.
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(2) “Department” means the Rhode Island department of labor and training.
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(3) “Locksmith” in Rhode Island means any person who installs, services, repairs, rekeys,
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or opens locks or locking devices.
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(4) “Locksmithing” means performing any activity defined under “locksmith,” including
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key duplication and security system servicing.
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(b) License required. No person shall engage in locksmithing or hold themselves out as a
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locksmith in Rhode Island without a valid locksmith license issued by the department.
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(c) Application for license.
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(1) Applicants shall submit to the department:
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(i) A completed application form with name, residence, and business address;
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(ii) A recent photograph;
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(iii) A certified criminal records background check issued by the attorney general or
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municipal police department in which the individual resides;

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(iv) Proof of training or apprenticeship;
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(v) The application fee as determined by the department.
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(2) The department may deny, suspend, or revoke a license if the applicant has a criminal
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conviction involving theft, fraud, violence, or dishonesty that bears on suitability to perform
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locksmithing.
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(d) Disciplinary actions. The department may suspend, revoke, or refuse renewal of a
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locksmith license for:
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(1) Fraud or misrepresentation in obtaining a license;
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(2) Criminal conduct related to locksmithing; or
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(3) Violations of this chapter or department regulations.
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(e) Exemptions. This section does not apply to:
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(1) Federal, state, or local government employees performing official duties;
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(2) Retail employees duplicating keys on site under employer supervision; or
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(3) Homeowners performing locksmithing on their own property.
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(f) Rules and regulations. The department shall adopt such rules and regulations as are
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necessary to implement this chapter, including licensing procedures, examinations, fees,
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recordkeeping standards, and disciplinary processes.
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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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This act would require that locksmiths in Rhode Island must be licensed and have passed
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a criminal background check.
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This act would take effect on January 1, 2027.
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LC005817
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LC005817 - Page 3 of 3