Amends GS 74F-3 by forbidding any person from possessing any locksmith tools, as defined by GS 74F-4(6), unless the person is licensed as a locksmith under GS Chapter 74F or exempted from the provisions of GS Chapter 74F. Makes the first violation of the provision a Class 1 misdemeanor, and provides that any subsequent offense of the provision is a Class I felony (currently, all violations considered Class 3 misdemeanor). Rewrites GS 74F-4 to include the term “safes” in the definition of Locksmith services and further expands the definition of Locksmith services to include any method of bypassing a locking mechanism of any kind, whether in a commercial, residential, or automotive setting, for compensation.
Amends GS 74F-6 by expanding the power of the NC Locksmith Licensing Board (Board) by allowing the board to obtain certain records of a person or company offering locksmith services, including employees, contractors, and subcontractors. Increases various fees under GS 74F-9. Adds a provision to GS 74F-10(b) allowing the Board, in its discretion, to adjust renewal and reinstatement fees if an applicant whose license has expired can show good cause for such license expiration. Rewrites GS 74F-12(b) to require that all advertisements for locksmith services include a valid license number issued by the Board. Rewrites GS 74F-15 by adding a new subsection which grants the Board power to assess the costs of disciplinary action, including attorneys’ fees, against an applicant or licensee found to be in violation of GS Chapter 74F or rules adopted by the Board. Amends GS 74F-16 by rewriting, adding, or clarifying various entities exempted from GS Chapter 74F. Makes other technical and conforming changes.