In this title the following words have the meanings indicated. “Circumventional information” means information, including pass codes, that allows an individual to alter the operation of a security system. “Circumventional information” does not include generic user or installation manuals. “Firm” means a partnership or corporation. “Firm member” means a partner of a partnership or an officer or director of a corporation. “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. “Providing security systems services” means providing, on the premises of a person’s residential or commercial property, the service of: surveying the property for purposes of installing a security system; physically installing, maintaining, or repairing a security system for the customer; or responding to a distress call or an alarm sounding from a security system. “Representative member” means a firm member who is appointed under this title to act on behalf of the firm. “Secretary” means the Secretary of State Police or the Secretary’s designee. “Security systems agency” means an individual or a firm that conducts a business that provides security systems services. “Security systems technician” means a person who personally provides security systems services.

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. 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. 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. 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. This title does not preempt local governments from licensing or regulating security system agencies or security system users. The licensing requirements of this title do not apply to a master electrician who: currently is licensed in that occupation under State or local law; and is acting only within the scope of that occupation. A master electrician may not: personally provide security systems services unless the master electrician is registered as a security systems technician; or obtain access to circumventional information unless the master electrician is registered as an individual with access to circumventional information. 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: enter the premises of the customer’s property; or have access to circumventional information. 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. This title may not be construed to require: 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; 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 an individual who is licensed under this title to be registered under Subtitle 3A of this title.