House amendment makes the following changes to the 3rd edition.

Amends GS 74F-16(6) to clarify that the provisions of GS Chapter 74F, the Locksmith Licensing Act, do not apply to a merchant or a retail or hardware store when the merchant or store does not purport to be a locksmith and lawfully (1) re-keys a lock at the timeof the sale of the lock; (2) duplicates a key, unless the key is a transponder key that requires programming; or (3) installs as a service a lock on a door when both the lock and the door were purchased from the same merchant.

Senate committee substitute to the 1st edition makes the following changes.

Amends GS 74F-3 to delete the prohibition on a person possessing any locksmith tools, unless licensed as a locksmith or exempt from the provisions of GS Chapter 74F. Also deletes the requirement that a person providing locksmith services to buildings that are multi-family units be licensed.

Effective December 1, 2013, further amends GS 74F-3 as follows. Prohibits a person from possessing any locksmith tools, unless licensed as a locksmith or exempt from the provisions of GS Chapter 74F. Also increases penalties from a Class 3 misdemeanor to a Class 1 misdemeanor for a first offense, and makes subsequent offenses a Class I felony.

Amends the exemptions from GS Chapter 74F to include a towing service, or its employees, when providing services in the normal course of its business (was, when providing lockout service for a motor club or when necessary to move or tow a vehicle). Deletes the proposed changes to the definition of property in GS 74F-16. Also reverts the exemption to those members of a law enforcement agency, fire department, or other government agency who, when acting within the scope of their employment, open locked doors to vehicles, homes, or businesses (was changed to member of a law enforcement agency, fire department, or other government agency only when opening locked doors to vehicles, homes, or businesses in a life-threatening emergency or during the investigation of a crime).

Provides that an institutional locksmith is a person who is employed by or working for a school, college, university, hospital, company, institution, or government facility and who provides locksmith services as part of the person's employment. Those engaged as an institutional locksmith in the state for at least two consecutive years before October 1, 2013, and who pay the required licensure fee are to be licensed without having to take the licensing exam. Those that do not apply by October 1, 2014, are required to complete all Board requirements.

Makes the changes to the licensing and related fees effective when the act becomes law. Unless otherwise indicated, the act is effective October 1, 2013 (was, entire act was effective when it became law).