SB 770

This bill establishes a licensure program for locksmiths in Wisconsin to be

administered by the Department of Safety and Professional Services.

Under the bill, subject to specific exemptions enumerated below, any person

who, for compensation, performs locksmithing in Wisconsin must be licensed by

DSPS. The bill defines "locksmithing" to mean servicing, installing, originating first

keys for, rekeying, master keying, recoding, recombinating, manipulating,

dismantling, or bypassing a security device. Under the bill, "security device" means

a mechanical or electronic lock or other device used to control access to certain objects

and areas or an intrusion detection device.

The bill requires DSPS to grant a locksmith license to an applicant for licensure

if DSPS determines that certain requirements are met, including that the applicant

satisfies any education, training, or examination requirements established by DSPS

by rule; that, subject to the Wisconsin Fair Employment Law, the applicant does not

have an arrest or conviction record; and that the applicant has not had a license or

other credential to act as a locksmith in any state denied, canceled, revoked, or

surrendered in lieu of revocation unless that license or other credential was later

granted or reinstated.

Under the bill, a locksmith license is not required for any of the following:

1. The servicing, installing, repairing, or rebuilding of a motor vehicle security

device by a motor vehicle manufacturer, dealer, or mechanic, or its employee.

2. The dismantling or otherwise bypassing of a security device in an emergency

by a law enforcement officer, fire fighter, or other emergency response personnel.

3. The duplication of a nonelectronic key or the sale of a security device by the

employee of a retail or hardware store.

4. The installation or removal of a complete security device by a member of the

building or construction trade during residential or commercial new construction or

remodeling, if a building permit is required for the construction or remodeling and

is obtained.

5. The dismantling or otherwise bypassing of a motor vehicle security device

by the employee of a towing service or motor club for the limited purpose of gaining

access to the motor vehicle.

6. The dismantling or otherwise bypassing of a motor vehicle security device

by a person authorized to repossess the motor vehicle or an employee of that person,

for the limited purpose of gaining access to the motor vehicle.

7. The performance of locksmithing under the supervision of a licensed

locksmith by an apprentice in locksmithing, as provided for in the bill, or by a student

enrolled in a program of locksmithing education approved by DSPS.

8. The servicing, installing, repairing, or rebuilding of a security device by an

employee of the manufacturer of that security device.

9. The servicing, installing, repairing, or rebuilding of an intrusion alarm or