H 7970Licensing & Accreditation

Labor and Labor Relations - Mechanical Trades

This bill requires locksmiths to obtain a state license, pass a criminal background check, and prove they have proper training.

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Affected

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Introduced Feb 27, 2026Committee House Labor

Plain-English Summary

This legislation establishes a mandatory licensing requirement for locksmiths in Rhode Island. Under this bill, anyone wishing to work as a locksmith must apply to the Department of Labor and Training, pass a criminal background check, and provide proof of training or apprenticeship. The bill prohibits individuals with convictions for theft, fraud, or violence from holding a license. It creates exemptions for government employees, retail workers who strictly duplicate keys, and homeowners working on their own property. The Department is authorized to create specific rules, set fees, and manage disciplinary actions for violations.

For younger readers

This new law creates rules for people who fix locks, known as locksmiths. To do their job, locksmiths will now need to get a special permission card, called a license, from the state government. To get this card, they must show they have been trained to do the job correctly and promise they haven't done bad things like stealing. This helps make sure that the person coming to help you with your house or car keys is safe and trustworthy. People who just make copies of keys at a store do not need this special card.

Who & Where It Applies

Impacted groups

LocksmithsApprentice locksmithsSecurity system servicersHomeownersBusiness owners

Impacted communities

All

Constitutional & Fiscal Check

None Likely

Estimated cost

Amount unknown

Estimated revenue

Amount unknown

Bill Analysis

Both viewpoints

For Progressives

Protects consumers from potential fraud, theft, and safety risks by ensuring that individuals with access to homes and businesses have passed criminal background checks.
Establishes professional standards and training requirements, which ensures workers are qualified and elevates the quality of service provided to the community.
Creates a clear mechanism for state oversight and accountability, allowing the Department of Labor and Training to discipline bad actors who exploit vulnerable customers.
Creates financial and administrative barriers to entry for low-income individuals seeking to enter the trade due to application fees and training mandates.
Disproportionately impacts individuals with past criminal records by allowing license denial based on prior convictions, potentially hindering rehabilitation and workforce reintegration.
May reduce competition and drive up prices for services, which disproportionately hurts working-class families who need emergency locksmith services.

For Conservatives

Enhances public safety and law and order by preventing individuals with histories of violence or theft from legally accessing private homes and businesses.
Protects private property rights by ensuring that only vetted, identifiable professionals possess the tools and authority to bypass locks and security systems.
Reduces the likelihood of fraudulent business practices and scams within the trade by establishing a registry of verified practitioners.
Expands government bureaucracy and regulation by empowering the Department of Labor and Training to interfere in a private trade and collect more fees.
Infringes on the free market and the right to earn a living by forcing tradespeople to obtain government permission before they can work.
Likely increases costs for business owners and consumers by limiting the number of available locksmiths and adding compliance costs to the industry.

Votes

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Full Bill Text

Changes to existing Rhode Island law · 34 additions

SECTION 1. Chapter 28-27 of the General Laws entitled "Mechanical Trades" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following section: 28-27-35. Locksmith licensing.

(a) Definitions. For purposes of this section:

(1) “Apprentice locksmith” means an individual performing locksmithing under the direct supervision of a licensed locksmith while completing required training or work experience.

(2) “Department” means the Rhode Island department of labor and training.

(3) “Locksmith” in Rhode Island means any person who installs, services, repairs, rekeys, or opens locks or locking devices.

(4) “Locksmithing” means performing any activity defined under “locksmith,” including key duplication and security system servicing.

(b) License required. No person shall engage in locksmithing or hold themselves out as a locksmith in Rhode Island without a valid locksmith license issued by the department.

(1) Applicants shall submit to the department:

(i) A completed application form with name, residence, and business address;

(ii) A recent photograph;

(iii) A certified criminal records background check issued by the attorney general or municipal police department in which the individual resides;

(iv) Proof of training or apprenticeship;

(v) The application fee as determined by the department.

(2) The department may deny, suspend, or revoke a license if the applicant has a criminal conviction involving theft, fraud, violence, or dishonesty that bears on suitability to perform locksmithing.

(d) Disciplinary actions. The department may suspend, revoke, or refuse renewal of a locksmith license for:

(1) Fraud or misrepresentation in obtaining a license;

(2) Criminal conduct related to locksmithing; or

(3) Violations of this chapter or department regulations.

(e) Exemptions. This section does not apply to:

(1) Federal, state, or local government employees performing official duties;

(2) Retail employees duplicating keys on site under employer supervision; or

(3) Homeowners performing locksmithing on their own property.

(f) Rules and regulations. The department shall adopt such rules and regulations as are necessary to implement this chapter, including licensing procedures, examinations, fees, recordkeeping standards, and disciplinary processes.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect on January 1, 2027.