Business Occupations and Professions (GBO) — Title 18. Security Systems Technicians
Statutes in effect as of October 1, 2026.
Subtitle 1. Definitions; General Provisions
Md. Code Ann., Bus. Occ. & Prof. § 18-101 (2026)
Title 18. Security Systems Technicians
Subtitle 1. Definitions; General Provisions
§ 18–101LinkCopy Citation
(a)
In this title the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)
(1)
“Circumventional information” means information, including pass codes, that allows an individual to alter the operation of a security system.
(2)
“Circumventional information” does not include generic user or installation manuals.
(c)
“Firm” means a partnership or corporation.
(d)
“Firm member” means a partner of a partnership or an officer or director of a corporation.
(e)
“License” means a license issued by the Secretary or the Secretary’s designee to engage in the business of providing security systems services for compensation.
(f)
“Providing security systems services” means providing, on the premises of a person’s residential or commercial property, the service of:
(1)
surveying the property for purposes of installing a security system;
(2)
physically installing, maintaining, or repairing a security system for the customer; or
(3)
responding to a distress call or an alarm sounding from a security system.
(g)
“Representative member” means a firm member who is appointed under this title to act on behalf of the firm.
(h)
“Secretary” means the Secretary of State Police or the Secretary’s designee.
(i)
“Security systems agency” means an individual or a firm that conducts a business that provides security systems services.
(j)
“Security systems technician” means a person who personally provides security systems services.
Md. Code Ann., Bus. Occ. & Prof. § 18-102 (2026)
Title 18. Security Systems Technicians
Subtitle 1. Definitions; General Provisions
§ 18–102LinkCopy Citation
(a)
This title does not apply to an officer or employee of any unit of the United States, of any state, or of any county, municipal corporation, or other political subdivision of any state, while performing a duty of the office or employment.
(b)
(1)
This title does not supersede any local law or ordinance in the State that establishes standards or qualifications for electricians or for electrical work involved in the installation of security systems or security alarms.
(2)
This title does not authorize an individual to perform electrical work that otherwise requires an electrician’s license under any State or local law or ordinance.
(3)
Except as provided in paragraph (4) of this subsection, this title supersedes any local law or ordinance in the State that requires registration, training, bonding, or insurance for security systems technicians or other individuals who have access to circumventional information.
(4)
This title does not preempt local governments from licensing or regulating security system agencies or security system users.
(c)
(1)
The licensing requirements of this title do not apply to a master electrician who:
(i)
currently is licensed in that occupation under State or local law; and
(ii)
is acting only within the scope of that occupation.
(2)
A master electrician may not:
(i)
personally provide security systems services unless the master electrician is registered as a security systems technician; or
(ii)
obtain access to circumventional information unless the master electrician is registered as an individual with access to circumventional information.
(d)
This title does not apply to a person who sells security systems at a retail establishment or by means of a catalog or brochure for future delivery, provided that the person does not:
(1)
enter the premises of the customer’s property; or
(2)
have access to circumventional information.
(e)
This title does not apply to a commercial property owner or its authorized agent performing the routine operation, including the changing of the passcodes, of a security system that protects the premises of the owner’s commercial property.
(f)
This title may not be construed to require:
(1)
a person engaged in the business of providing security systems services for compensation to obtain more than one license under this title to provide security systems services;
(2)
a security systems technician, in addition to being registered under this title, to obtain a license under this title, if the security systems technician is employed by or under contract with a security systems agency; or
(3)
an individual who is licensed under this title to be registered under Subtitle 3A of this title.
Subtitle 2. Duties of the Secretary
Md. Code Ann., Bus. Occ. & Prof. § 18-201 (2026)
Title 18. Security Systems Technicians
Subtitle 2. Duties of the Secretary
§ 18–201LinkCopy Citation
Subject to the provisions of this title, the Secretary is responsible for:
(1)
the licensing and regulation of security systems agencies in the State; and
(2)
the registration of security systems technicians and other individuals who have access to circumventional information.
Md. Code Ann., Bus. Occ. & Prof. § 18-202 (2026)
Title 18. Security Systems Technicians
Subtitle 2. Duties of the Secretary
§ 18–202LinkCopy Citation
(a)
In addition to any powers set forth elsewhere, the Secretary may:
(1)
adopt regulations to carry out this title;
(2)
use any member of the Department of State Police, as necessary, to carry out and enforce this title; and
(3)
make inquiries and conduct an investigation regarding any applicant for a license or for registration.
(b)
In addition to any duties set forth elsewhere, the Secretary shall:
(1)
adopt regulations that set standards for the licensure of security systems agencies;
(2)
adopt regulations that set standards for the registration of security systems technicians and other individuals who have access to circumventional information; and
(3)
keep a roster of individuals registered as security systems technicians or as individuals who have access to circumventional information.
Md. Code Ann., Bus. Occ. & Prof. § 18-203 (2026)
Title 18. Security Systems Technicians
Subtitle 2. Duties of the Secretary
§ 18–203LinkCopy Citation
The Secretary and all members of the Department of State Police:
(1)
shall treat as confidential any information obtained through an investigation of an applicant for a license or for registration under this title; and
(2)
unless required by a court order, may not divulge to a person who is not a law enforcement officer any information obtained through an investigation of an applicant for a license or for registration under this title.
Md. Code Ann., Bus. Occ. & Prof. § 18-204 (2026)
Title 18. Security Systems Technicians
Subtitle 2. Duties of the Secretary
§ 18–204LinkCopy Citation
Except for the cost of the State and national criminal history records check, the Secretary shall pay all money collected under this title into the General Fund of the State.
Md. Code Ann., Bus. Occ. & Prof. § 18-205 (2026)
Title 18. Security Systems Technicians
Subtitle 2. Duties of the Secretary
§ 18–205LinkCopy Citation
(a)
Subject to this section, the Secretary shall conduct an investigation that relates to any complaint alleging that an unauthorized person has provided security systems services.
(b)
A complaint shall:
(1)
be in writing and under oath;
(2)
state specifically the facts on which the complaint is based; and
(3)
be filed with the Secretary.
Subtitle 3. Licensing
Md. Code Ann., Bus. Occ. & Prof. § 18-301 (2026)
Title 18. Security Systems Technicians
Subtitle 3. Licensing
§ 18–301LinkCopy Citation
Except as otherwise provided in this title or §§ 10–14A–03 and 10–14B–03 of the State Government Article, a person may not engage, or solicit to engage, in the business of providing security systems services in the State unless the person obtains a license and meets the requirements of § 18–401 of this title.
Md. Code Ann., Bus. Occ. & Prof. § 18-302 (2026)
Title 18. Security Systems Technicians
Subtitle 3. Licensing
§ 18–302LinkCopy Citation
(a)
If the applicant for a license is a firm, the firm shall appoint a firm member as the representative member to make the application on behalf of the firm.
(b)
To qualify for a license, if an applicant is an individual, an applicant shall:
(1)
be at least 18 years old; and
(2)
be of good moral character.
(c)
To qualify for a license, if the applicant is a firm, each firm member shall be:
(1)
at least 18 years old; and
(2)
of good moral character.
(d)
The applicant shall meet any other requirements that the Secretary establishes for license applicants.
Md. Code Ann., Bus. Occ. & Prof. § 18-303 (2026)
Title 18. Security Systems Technicians
Subtitle 3. Licensing
§ 18–303LinkCopy Citation
(a)
An applicant for a license shall:
(1)
submit to the Secretary an application in the manner and format designated by the Secretary;
(2)
submit the documents required by this section; and
(3)
pay to the Secretary in a method approved by the Secretary:
(i)
an application fee of $100;
(ii)
the fee authorized under § 10–221(b)(7) of the Criminal Procedure Article for access to Maryland criminal history records; and
(iii)
the mandatory processing fee required by the Federal Bureau of Investigation for a national criminal history records check.
(b)
The application provided by the Secretary shall contain a statement advising the applicant that willfully making a false statement on an application is a misdemeanor, subject to a fine or imprisonment or both, as provided under § 18–504 of this title.
(c)
If the applicant is a firm, the representative member shall complete the application and otherwise be responsible for the firm’s compliance with this section.
(d)
(1)
The application shall be accompanied by at least two written recommendations for the applicant.
(2)
Each recommendation shall be signed, under oath, by a reputable citizen of the State.
(e)
(1)
An applicant for a license shall submit with the application two complete sets of the applicant’s legible fingerprints taken in a format approved by the Director of the Central Repository and the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
(2)
If the applicant is a firm, the applicant shall pay the cost of the fingerprint records check for each firm member.
(f)
An applicant for a license shall submit with the application a copy of a bond or proof of insurance in accordance with the requirements of § 18–401 of this title.
(g)
The Secretary may waive the requirements of subsections (a)(2) and (3), (d), and (e) of this section and issue a license to an applicant who:
(1)
provides adequate evidence that the applicant:
(i)
is licensed to engage in the business of providing security systems services in another state; and
(ii)
became licensed in the other state:
(1)
after meeting qualifications that are at least equivalent to those required in this State; and
(2)
after submitting to a State and national criminal history records check; and
(2)
pays to the Secretary, in a method approved by the Secretary, a processing fee of $100.
Md. Code Ann., Bus. Occ. & Prof. § 18-304 (2026)
Title 18. Security Systems Technicians
Subtitle 3. Licensing
§ 18–304LinkCopy Citation
(a)
Except for a license issued under § 18–303(g) of this subtitle, before issuing a license, the Secretary shall conduct a State and national criminal history records check for each applicant who applies for a license.
(b)
If the applicant is a firm, the Secretary shall conduct a State and national criminal records check for each firm member.
Md. Code Ann., Bus. Occ. & Prof. § 18-305 (2026)
Title 18. Security Systems Technicians
Subtitle 3. Licensing
§ 18–305LinkCopy Citation
(a)
The Secretary shall issue a license to each applicant who meets the requirements of this title.
(b)
The Secretary shall include on each license that the Secretary issues:
(1)
the full name of the licensee;
(2)
the current address of the licensee;
(3)
the date of issuance of the license; and
(4)
the date on which the license expires.
(c)
Except as provided in subsection (d) of this section, the Secretary shall issue to an individual licensee a pocket identification card that includes:
(1)
a photograph of the licensee, supplied by the licensee; and
(2)
the license expiration date.
(d)
(1)
For each license issued under § 18-303(g) of this subtitle, the Secretary shall issue to an individual licensee a licensing certificate instead of a pocket identification card.
(2)
The licensing certificate shall be in a format approved by the Secretary.
Md. Code Ann., Bus. Occ. & Prof. § 18-306 (2026)
Title 18. Security Systems Technicians
Subtitle 3. Licensing
§ 18–306LinkCopy Citation
(a)
While a license is in effect, it authorizes the licensee to engage in the business of providing security systems services.
(b)
An individual or a firm may qualify for a license as a security systems agency.
Md. Code Ann., Bus. Occ. & Prof. § 18-307 (2026)
Title 18. Security Systems Technicians
Subtitle 3. Licensing
§ 18–307LinkCopy Citation
(a)
By regulation, the Secretary shall stagger the terms of the licenses.
(b)
Unless a license is renewed for a 3–year term as provided in this section, the license expires on the date the Secretary sets.
(c)
At least 1 month before a license expires, the Secretary shall electronically transmit to the agency a notice that states:
(1)
the date on which the current license expires;
(2)
that the Secretary must receive the renewal application and proof of insurance or bonding as required in § 18–401 of this title at least 15 days before the license expiration date for the renewal to be issued and mailed before the license expires;
(3)
the amount of the renewal fee;
(4)
that, if the complete renewal application and proof of insurance or bonding as required in § 18–401 of this title are not received at least 15 days before the license expiration date, a fee of $25 per day shall be charged against the agency until the day the license expires, at which time the agency shall be considered closed;
(5)
that an agency may not be issued a license under this title until all outstanding obligations are satisfied with the Secretary; and
(6)
that the submission of a false statement in the renewal application or the submission of altered or false documents that are otherwise required is cause for revocation of the agency license.
(d)
An agency periodically may renew the license for an additional 3–year term, if the license holder:
(1)
otherwise is entitled to be licensed;
(2)
pays to the Secretary in a method approved by the Secretary:
(i)
a renewal fee of $100;
(ii)
the fee authorized under § 10–221(b)(7) of the Criminal Procedure Article for access to Maryland criminal history records;
(iii)
the mandatory processing fee required by the Federal Bureau of Investigation for a national criminal history records check; and
(iv)
any late fee required under this subtitle; and
(3)
submits to the Secretary:
(i)
a renewal application in the manner and format designated by the Secretary;
(ii)
two complete sets of the applicant’s legible fingerprints taken in a format approved by the Director of the Central Repository and the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; and
(iii)
satisfactory evidence of compliance with any other requirements under this section for renewal of registration.
(e)
In accordance with §§ 10–201 through 10–235 of the Criminal Procedure Article, the Central Repository shall forward to the applicant and the Department of State Police a printed statement of the applicant’s criminal history records information.
(f)
The Secretary may waive the national criminal history records check required under subsection (d) of this section for an applicant who was issued a license under § 18–303(g) of this subtitle if the applicant pays to the Secretary, in a method approved by the Secretary, a processing fee of $100.
(g)
If the renewal application was submitted as required in subsection (d) of this section and the national criminal history records check required under this section is not completed before the licensee’s license expires, the Secretary shall allow the licensee to operate in a temporary license status if the licensee otherwise meets the requirements of this section.
(h)
A licensee may operate in a temporary license status at the time of renewal only if the renewal application and all required documents and fees were submitted by the expiration date of the license.
(i)
The temporary license status shall expire at the earlier of:
(1)
the completion of the national criminal history records check of the applicant; or
(2)
the renewal or denial of the license.
(j)
The Secretary shall renew the license of each applicant who meets the requirements of this section.
Md. Code Ann., Bus. Occ. & Prof. § 18-308 (2026)
Title 18. Security Systems Technicians
Subtitle 3. Licensing
§ 18–308LinkCopy Citation
(a)
(1)
If the licensee is an individual, the licensee and each security systems technician employed by the licensee shall carry and display the license on demand of any customer or law enforcement officer.
(2)
If the licensee is a firm, each firm member and security systems technician employed by the firm shall carry and display a copy of the license on demand of any customer or law enforcement officer.
(b)
Each licensee shall record the license with the Secretary of State.
(c)
Each licensee shall give the Secretary written notice of any change of address within 10 business days after the change.
Md. Code Ann., Bus. Occ. & Prof. § 18-309 (2026)
Title 18. Security Systems Technicians
Subtitle 3. Licensing
§ 18–309LinkCopy Citation
Subject to the hearing provisions of § 18-310 of this subtitle, the Secretary may deny a license to any applicant, reprimand any licensee, fine a licensee, or suspend or revoke a license if the applicant or licensee, or a firm member or employee of an applicant or licensee that is a firm:
(1)
fraudulently or deceptively obtains or attempts to obtain a license for the applicant or licensee or for another;
(2)
fraudulently or deceptively uses a license;
(3)
has a similar license denied, suspended, or revoked in another jurisdiction;
(4)
pleads guilty or nolo contendere to or is convicted of a felony, theft offense, or crime of moral turpitude;
(5)
aids an individual in obtaining or attempting to obtain fraudulently or deceptively licensure under this title as a security systems technician;
(6)
while not licensed, solicits to engage in or willfully engages in a business providing security systems services;
(7)
while not licensed, willfully advertises as a security systems technician;
(8)
willfully makes a false statement or misrepresentation in any renewal application or in any other document that the Secretary requires to be submitted; or
(9)
violates any other provision of this title or any regulation adopted by the Secretary under this title.
Md. Code Ann., Bus. Occ. & Prof. § 18-310 (2026)
Title 18. Security Systems Technicians
Subtitle 3. Licensing
§ 18–310LinkCopy Citation
(a)
Before the Secretary takes any final action under § 18-309 of this subtitle, the Secretary shall give the person against whom the action is contemplated an opportunity for a hearing before the Secretary.
(b)
The Secretary shall give notice and hold the hearing in accordance with Title 10, Subtitle 2 of the State Government Article.
(c)
The hearing notice to be given to the person shall be sent by certified mail to the last known address of the person at least 10 business days before the hearing.
(d)
The Secretary may administer oaths in connection with any proceeding under this section.
(e)
The person may be represented at the hearing by counsel.
(f)
If, after due notice, the person against whom the action is contemplated fails or refuses to appear, nevertheless, the Secretary may hear and determine the matter.
Md. Code Ann., Bus. Occ. & Prof. § 18-311 (2026)
Title 18. Security Systems Technicians
Subtitle 3. Licensing
§ 18–311LinkCopy Citation
Any person aggrieved by a final decision of the Secretary in a contested case, as defined in § 10-202 of the State Government Article, may take an appeal as allowed in Title 10, Subtitle 2 of the State Government Article.
Subtitle 3A. Registration
Md. Code Ann., Bus. Occ. & Prof. § 18-3A-01 (2026)
Title 18. Security Systems Technicians
Subtitle 3A. Registration
§ 18–3A-01LinkCopy Citation
Except as otherwise provided in this title:
(1)
an individual may not personally provide security systems services unless the individual is registered as a security systems technician;
(2)
a person licensed under this title may not employ or contract with an individual with access to circumventional information unless the individual is registered as required under this subtitle;
(3)
neither a licensee nor a registrant may provide access to circumventional information to an individual who is not registered under this subtitle; and
(4)
an employee of a person licensed under this title may not obtain access to circumventional information unless the employee is registered as an individual with access to circumventional information.
Md. Code Ann., Bus. Occ. & Prof. § 18-3A-02 (2026)
Title 18. Security Systems Technicians
Subtitle 3A. Registration
§ 18–3A-02LinkCopy Citation
(a)
To qualify for registration as a security systems technician or other individual who has access to circumventional information, an applicant shall:
(1)
be at least 18 years old; and
(2)
be of good moral character.
(b)
In addition to any other requirements and except for those applicants who survey properties only for the purpose of installing a security system, an applicant for registration as a security systems technician shall meet any training requirements that the Secretary establishes by regulation.
(c)
The State Department of Education, in conjunction with the Secretary, may establish by regulation a cooperative education program under which a minor may learn the security systems trade with on–site supervision by a security systems registrant under the auspices of cooperative education registration with the schools.
Md. Code Ann., Bus. Occ. & Prof. § 18-3A-03 (2026)
Title 18. Security Systems Technicians
Subtitle 3A. Registration
§ 18–3A-03LinkCopy Citation
(a)
An applicant for registration shall:
(1)
submit to the Secretary an application in the manner and format designated by the Secretary;
(2)
submit the documents required by this section; and
(3)
pay to the Secretary in a method approved by the Secretary:
(i)
an application fee that is the higher of $15 or an amount the Secretary determines based on actual processing costs; and
(ii)
the cost of any background checks.
(b)
The application provided by the Secretary shall contain a statement advising the applicant that willfully making a false statement on an application is a misdemeanor, subject to a fine or imprisonment or both, as provided under § 18–504 of this title.
(c)
An applicant for registration shall submit with the application two complete sets of the applicant’s legible fingerprints taken in a format approved by the Director of the Central Repository and the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
(d)
The Secretary may waive the requirements of this section and register an applicant who:
(1)
provides adequate evidence that the applicant:
(i)
is licensed in another state to engage in the business of providing security systems services or registered in another state as a security systems technician or other individual who has access to circumventional information; and
(ii)
became licensed or registered in the other state:
(1)
after meeting qualifications that are at least equivalent to those required in this State; and
(2)
after submitting to a State and national criminal records check; and
(2)
pays to the Secretary, in a method approved by the Secretary, a processing fee that is the higher of $15 or an amount the Secretary determines based on actual processing costs.
(e)
A minor in an apprenticeship program approved by the Maryland Department of Labor or a cooperative education program established under § 18–3A–02 of this subtitle is not required to meet the criminal background check and fingerprint requirements of this section.
Md. Code Ann., Bus. Occ. & Prof. § 18-3A-04 (2026)
Title 18. Security Systems Technicians
Subtitle 3A. Registration
§ 18–3A-04LinkCopy Citation
(a)
Except for registration under § 18–3A–03(d) of this subtitle, the Secretary shall conduct a State and national criminal history records check of an applicant before registering the applicant.
(b)
An applicant shall pay to the Secretary the cost of any background checks before the applicant may be registered.
Md. Code Ann., Bus. Occ. & Prof. § 18-3A-05 (2026)
Title 18. Security Systems Technicians
Subtitle 3A. Registration
§ 18–3A-05LinkCopy Citation
(a)
The Secretary shall register each applicant who meets the requirements of this subtitle.
(b)
The Secretary shall include on each registration that the Secretary issues:
(1)
the full name of the registrant;
(2)
the current address of the registrant;
(3)
the date of issuance of the registration; and
(4)
the date on which the registration expires.
(c)
For all registrations other than temporary registrations, the Secretary shall issue to each registrant a pocket identification card that includes:
(1)
a photograph of the registrant, supplied by the registrant; and
(2)
the expiration date of the registrant’s registration.
(d)
Each registrant shall give the Secretary written notice of any change of address within 10 business days after the change.
Md. Code Ann., Bus. Occ. & Prof. § 18-3A-06 (2026)
Title 18. Security Systems Technicians
Subtitle 3A. Registration
§ 18–3A-06LinkCopy Citation
(a)
While an individual is registered as a security systems technician and employed by or under contract with a security systems agency licensed under this title, the individual is authorized to personally provide security systems services.
(b)
While an individual is registered as a security systems technician and employed by or under contract with a security systems agency licensed under this title, the individual is authorized to have access to circumventional information.
Md. Code Ann., Bus. Occ. & Prof. § 18-3A-07 (2026)
Title 18. Security Systems Technicians
Subtitle 3A. Registration
§ 18–3A-07LinkCopy Citation
(a)
By regulation, the Secretary shall stagger the terms of the registrations under this subtitle.
(b)
Unless a registration is renewed for a 3–year term as provided in this section, the registration expires on the date the Secretary sets.
(c)
At least 90 days before a registration expires, the applicant shall submit to the Secretary:
(1)
a renewal application in the manner and format designated by the Secretary;
(2)
the amount of the renewal fee in a method approved by the Secretary; and
(3)
the amount of any late fee, as determined by the Secretary.
(d)
An individual periodically may renew a registration for an additional 3–year term if the individual:
(1)
otherwise is entitled to be registered;
(2)
pays to the Secretary in a method approved by the Secretary:
(i)
a renewal fee that is the higher of $15 or an amount which the Secretary determines based on the actual processing costs;
(ii)
the fee authorized under § 10–221(b)(7) of the Criminal Procedure Article for access to Maryland criminal history records;
(iii)
the mandatory processing fee required by the Federal Bureau of Investigation for a national criminal history records check; and
(iv)
any late fee required under this subtitle; and
(3)
submits to the Secretary:
(i)
a renewal application in the manner and format designated by the Secretary;
(ii)
two complete sets of the applicant’s legible fingerprints taken in a format approved by the Director of the Central Repository and the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; and
(iii)
satisfactory evidence of compliance with any other requirements under this section for renewal of registration.
(e)
In accordance with §§ 10–201 through 10–235 of the Criminal Procedure Article, the Central Repository shall forward to the applicant and the Department of State Police a printed statement of the applicant’s criminal history records information.
(f)
(1)
Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, if a complete application for renewal of registration as required under this subtitle is not received by the Secretary at least 30 calendar days before the certification expires, the Secretary shall assess a late fee of $5 per day until the application is received by the Secretary.
(2)
The total amount of late fees assessed under this subsection may not exceed $150.
(3)
The Secretary may not register any applicant under this title if the applicant has outstanding late fee obligations.
(g)
The Secretary may waive the national criminal history records check required under subsection (d) of this section for an applicant who was registered under § 18–3A–03 of this subtitle if the applicant pays to the Secretary, in a method approved by the Secretary, a processing fee of $15.
(h)
If the renewal application was submitted as required under this section and the national criminal history records check required under this section is not completed before a registration expires, the Secretary shall allow the applicant to operate in a temporary registration status if the applicant otherwise meets the requirements of this section.
(i)
The temporary registration status shall expire at the earlier of:
(1)
the completion of the national criminal history records check of the applicant; or
(2)
the renewal or denial of the registration.
(j)
(1)
The Secretary shall renew the registration of each individual who meets the requirements of this section.
(2)
Within 5 days after the Secretary refuses to renew the registration of an individual under this title, the Secretary shall send written notice of the refusal to the individual who submitted the renewal application.
Md. Code Ann., Bus. Occ. & Prof. § 18-3A-08 (2026)
Title 18. Security Systems Technicians
Subtitle 3A. Registration
§ 18–3A-08LinkCopy Citation
(a)
(1)
Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, the Secretary shall temporarily register any individual who:
(i)
does not have the training required under § 18–3A–02(b) of this subtitle but otherwise meets the requirements for registration under this title; or
(ii)
does not have the State and national criminal history records check required under § 18–3A–04(a) of this subtitle.
(2)
If the Secretary determines after a preliminary background investigation that the issuance of a temporary registration to an individual would result in a potential threat to public safety, the Secretary may refuse to temporarily register that individual.
(b)
Temporary registration of a registrant under this section shall expire at the earlier of:
(1)
if the temporary registration was issued pursuant to subsection (a)(1) of this section, acquisition by the registrant of the training required under § 18-3A-02(b) of this subtitle; or
(2)
if the temporary registration was issued pursuant to subsection (a)(2) of this section, completion of the State and national criminal records check required under § 18-3A-04(a) of this subtitle.
(c)
An applicant obtaining temporary registration under this section:
(1)
shall receive a form of identification as determined by the Secretary; and
(2)
shall work under the supervision of an individual who has met the requirements of §§ 18-3A-02, 18-3A-03, and 18-3A-04 of this subtitle and is registered under § 18-3A-05 of this subtitle.
Md. Code Ann., Bus. Occ. & Prof. § 18-3A-09 (2026)
Title 18. Security Systems Technicians
Subtitle 3A. Registration
§ 18–3A-09LinkCopy Citation
Subject to the hearing provisions of § 18-3A-10 of this subtitle, the Secretary may deny registration to any applicant, reprimand any registrant, fine any registrant, or suspend or revoke a registration if the applicant or registrant:
(1)
fraudulently or deceptively obtains or attempts to obtain a registration for the applicant or registrant or for another;
(2)
fraudulently or deceptively uses a registration;
(3)
has a similar license or registration denied, suspended, or revoked in another jurisdiction;
(4)
pleads guilty or nolo contendere to or is convicted of a felony, theft offense, or crime of moral turpitude;
(5)
aids an individual in obtaining or attempting to obtain fraudulently or deceptively registration under this title;
(6)
while not registered as a security systems technician and employed by or under contract with a security systems agency licensed under this title, solicits to engage in or willfully engages in personally providing security systems services;
(7)
while not registered as a security systems technician and employed by or under contract with a security systems agency licensed under this title, willfully advertises as a security systems technician;
(8)
willfully makes a false statement or misrepresentation in any renewal application or in any other document that the Secretary requires to be submitted; or
(9)
violates any other provision of this title or any regulation adopted by the Secretary under this title.
Md. Code Ann., Bus. Occ. & Prof. § 18-3A-09.1 (2026)
Title 18. Security Systems Technicians
Subtitle 3A. Registration
§ 18–3A-09.1LinkCopy Citation
Before the Secretary denies the registration of an applicant under § 18-3A-09(4) of this subtitle, the Secretary shall consider the following factors:
(1)
the length of time that has passed since the applicant pleaded guilty or nolo contendere or was convicted of the felony, theft offense, or crime of moral turpitude;
(2)
whether the applicant was a security systems technician prior to the requirement of registration under this subtitle; and
(3)
any evidence that the applicant has been a good citizen since the applicant pleaded guilty or nolo contendere or was convicted of the felony, theft offense, or crime of moral turpitude.
Md. Code Ann., Bus. Occ. & Prof. § 18-3A-10 (2026)
Title 18. Security Systems Technicians
Subtitle 3A. Registration
§ 18–3A-10LinkCopy Citation
(a)
(1)
Before the Secretary takes any final action under § 18-3A-09 of this subtitle, the Secretary shall give the individual against whom the action is contemplated an opportunity for either:
(i)
a hearing before the Secretary; or
(ii)
a hearing before an advisory panel consisting of the following members appointed by the Secretary:
(1)
a member of the Department of State Police;
(2)
a representative of the security systems industry;
(3)
one member who has engaged the services of a security systems agency; and
(4)
two members representing consumers.
(2)
A hearing before an advisory panel under this section does not preclude a hearing before the Secretary.
(b)
The Secretary or the advisory panel shall give notice and hold the hearing in accordance with Title 10, Subtitle 2 of the State Government Article.
(c)
The hearing notice to be given to the individual shall be sent by certified mail to the last known address of the individual at least 10 business days before the hearing.
(d)
The Secretary or the advisory panel may administer oaths in connection with any proceeding under this section.
(e)
The individual may be represented at the hearing by counsel.
(f)
If, after due notice, the individual against whom the action is contemplated fails or refuses to appear, the Secretary or the advisory panel may, nevertheless, hear and determine the matter.
Md. Code Ann., Bus. Occ. & Prof. § 18-3A-11 (2026)
Title 18. Security Systems Technicians
Subtitle 3A. Registration
§ 18–3A-11LinkCopy Citation
Any person aggrieved by a final decision of the Secretary in a contested case, as defined in § 10-202 of the State Government Article, may take an appeal as allowed in Title 10, Subtitle 2 of the State Government Article.
Subtitle 4. Miscellaneous Provisions
Md. Code Ann., Bus. Occ. & Prof. § 18-401 (2026)
Title 18. Security Systems Technicians
Subtitle 4. Miscellaneous Provisions
§ 18–401LinkCopy Citation
(a)
In order to obtain a license, an applicant shall:
(1)
(i)
execute a fidelity bond as provided in subsection (c) of this section; or
(ii)
maintain general liability insurance as provided in subsection (d) of this section; and
(2)
maintain in an office in the State, documents or other records that are made in the State or relate to a service performed in the State and make those records available for inspection by the Secretary for compliance with this title.
(b)
The Secretary may not issue or renew a license or registration unless the applicant, licensee, or registrant submits proof of compliance with subsection (a) of this section.
(c)
(1)
The fidelity bond required by subsection (a)(1) of this section shall cover all individuals who:
(i)
are licensed to provide security systems services, are registered as security systems technicians, or have access to circumventional information; or
(ii)
are applicants for a license or registration.
(2)
The fidelity bond shall be used for the benefit of any person injured on the premises of a consumer of security systems services by any fraudulent or dishonest act of a licensee, a security systems technician, or other individual who has access to circumventional information that is willful or malicious.
(3)
The applicant for a license or registration shall submit a copy of the fidelity bond to the Secretary with the license or registration application.
(4)
(i)
The amount of the fidelity bond required under subsection (c)(1) of this section shall be at least $50,000.
(ii)
The total liability of the surety to all insured persons under the fidelity bond may not exceed the sum of the fidelity bond.
(5)
(i)
If an employer’s fidelity bond is canceled, forfeited, or terminated by the surety, the surety shall immediately notify the Secretary.
(ii)
If a surety fails to notify the Secretary as required by this paragraph, the fidelity bond shall continue in effect until the notice is given to the Secretary.
(d)
(1)
General liability insurance required by subsection (a)(1)(ii) of this section shall be in the amount of at least $50,000.
(2)
An applicant for a license or registration shall submit proof of insurance meeting the requirements of paragraph (1) of this subsection to the Secretary with the application.
(3)
If the general liability insurance required under this section is canceled, the insured shall immediately notify the Secretary.
(e)
If an agency fails to maintain the required fidelity bond or liability insurance as required in this section, upon notification, the Secretary:
(1)
shall suspend the license; and
(2)
may not reinstate the license until the agency submits proof of the required bond or insurance to the Secretary.
(f)
In addition to § 18-504 of this title, a court of competent jurisdiction may enjoin the operation of any employer who violates the requirements of this section.
Md. Code Ann., Bus. Occ. & Prof. § 18-402 (2026)
Title 18. Security Systems Technicians
Subtitle 4. Miscellaneous Provisions
§ 18–402LinkCopy Citation
The Department of State Police shall adopt regulations necessary to effectuate and enforce this subtitle. The regulations shall include a schedule of fines for violations of this subtitle that may be assessed by the Secretary under §§ 18-309 and 18-3A-09 of this title.
Subtitle 5. Prohibited Acts; Penalties
Md. Code Ann., Bus. Occ. & Prof. § 18-501 (2026)
Title 18. Security Systems Technicians
Subtitle 5. Prohibited Acts; Penalties
§ 18–501LinkCopy Citation
A person may not engage, attempt to engage, offer to engage, or solicit to engage in a business of providing security systems services in the State unless licensed by the Secretary.
Md. Code Ann., Bus. Occ. & Prof. § 18-502 (2026)
Title 18. Security Systems Technicians
Subtitle 5. Prohibited Acts; Penalties
§ 18–502LinkCopy Citation
Unless authorized under this title to engage in the business of providing security systems services, a person may not represent to the public, by use of the title “security systems agency” or “security systems technician”, by description of services, methods, or procedures, or otherwise, that the person is authorized to engage in the business of providing security systems services in the State.
Md. Code Ann., Bus. Occ. & Prof. § 18-503 (2026)
Title 18. Security Systems Technicians
Subtitle 5. Prohibited Acts; Penalties
§ 18–503LinkCopy Citation
A person may not willfully make a false statement on any application form or other document submitted to the Secretary under this title.
Md. Code Ann., Bus. Occ. & Prof. § 18-504 (2026)
Title 18. Security Systems Technicians
Subtitle 5. Prohibited Acts; Penalties
§ 18–504LinkCopy Citation
(a)
A person who violates any provision of this title is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $1,000 or imprisonment not exceeding 1 year or both.
(b)
The fines assessed under §§ 18-309 and 18-3A-09 of this title may not exceed $5,000 per violation and shall be paid to the Secretary within 10 days after final adjudication of any hearing or the waiver of any hearing.
Subtitle 6. Short Title
Md. Code Ann., Bus. Occ. & Prof. § 18-601 (2026)
Title 18. Security Systems Technicians
Subtitle 6. Short Title
§ 18–601LinkCopy Citation
This title may be cited as the “Maryland Security Systems Technicians Act”.
Subtitle 7. Termination of Title
Md. Code Ann., Bus. Occ. & Prof. § 18-701 (2026)
Title 18. Security Systems Technicians
Subtitle 7. Termination of Title
§ 18–701LinkCopy Citation
Subject to the evaluation and reestablishment provisions of the Maryland Program Evaluation Act, this title and all regulations adopted under this title shall terminate and be of no further force and effect after July 1, 2031.