Locksmith Act Revisions
With the passage of Assembly Bill (AB) 2592 (Chapter 679, Statutes of 2008, Ma), the Locksmith Act has been revised as of January 1, 2009. The sections that have been amended are 6980, 6980.10, 6980.12, 6980.13, 6980.22, 6980.26, 6980.33, 6980.48, 6980.53, 6980.59, 6980.60, 6980.64, 6980.65. Sections that have been added are 6980.54 and repeal 6980.36 and to repeal and add 6980.14. For more information on the particular sections that have been updated changed or revised please visit www.leginfo.ca.gov.
This bill makes the following changes to the law:
- The revision modifies and expands the list of definitions and exceptions to the locksmith licensing requirements.
- Locksmith principals, partners, and employees will be required to carry a picture ID issued by the State along with their locksmith company license or their locksmith registration with them when they are performing the duties of a locksmith.
- Locksmith companies that have changes to their corporate officers or partners must notify the Bureau within 30 days of the changes and submit an application for all new officers or partners. The fine is currently $25 for a 2nd violation. The fine was $25 for a second violation. This fine is now raised to $500.
- Formerly, advertisements for a locksmith company were required to contain the address of the locksmith. The new law now requires the advertisement to contain additional information. An advertisement must contain the company's business name, business address or business telephone number and license number as they appear in the Bureau's records.
- The fine for unlicensed activity is raised from $1,000 or imprisonment in a county jail for up to one year, to a fine of $10,000 or imprisonment in a county jail for up to one year.
- Any person who is convicted of a violation of Sections 6980.10 or 6980.13 will not be issued a license for a period of one year following a first conviction, and will not be a license for a period of five years following a second or subsequent conviction.