Budget Amendment ID: FY2017-S4-1087-R1

Redraft EPS 1087

Security Systems Commission

Mr. Timilty, Ms. Flanagan, Messrs. Moore and Rodrigues, Ms. Gobi and Mr. Lewis moved that the proposed new text be amended by adding the following new sections:

Section X. (a) There shall be a special commission on security and life safety systems to provide guidance and advice to the governor, the general court, the secretary of public safety and security and the undersecretary for the office of consumer affairs and business regulation on effective state licensure models, including, but not limited to, practices that secure a high level of professionalism in the security system industry, prevention, detection, and elimination of individuals and business entities not appropriate to engage in the industry and to recommend policies, including legislation, to promote certification and training, continuing education and compliance with background checks at the federal and state levels. The special commission may conduct public hearings, forums or meetings to gather information.

(b) The commission shall be comprised of ( i ) 4 members of the senate, 3 of whom shall be members of the majority party who shall be appointed by the senate president and 1 of whom shall be a member of the minority party who shall be appointed by the minority leader; provided, however, that 1 member of the senate shall be designated as co-chair of the commission; 4 members of the house of representatives, 3 of whom shall be members of the majority party who shall be appointed by the speaker and 1 of whom shall be a member of the minority party who shall be appointed by the minority leader; provided, however, that 1 member of the house shall be designated as co-chair of the commission; (ii) the following 4 members, who shall serve ex officio: the Secretary of the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security, the Undersecretary for the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation, the Commissioner for the Massachusetts Department of Telecommunications and Cable, and the Executive Director for the State Board of Electrical Examiners or their designees; (iii) 1 representative of the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association, 1 representative of the Massachusetts State Fire Marshal’s Office, 1 representative of the Massachusetts Systems Contractors Association licensed as a contractor in Massachusetts with a security system business licensed under chapter 147, 1 representative from the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 103, who shall be a licensed electrician, 1 representative from the Massachusetts Electrical Contractors Association licensed as a contractor in Massachusetts with a security system business licensed under chapter 147, 1 representative from the Attorney General’s Policy Office; 1 representative from the Mass. High Technology Council, 1 representative from the New England Cable & Telecom Association, 1 representative who is an incumbent local exchange, 1 representative from the Electronic Security Association, The General Counsel from the Division of Professional Licensure, or his or her designee, 1 representative from CTIA – the Wireless Association; 1 representative who currently serves as a municipal inspector of wires and is a member of The Municipal Electrical Inspectors Association of Massachusetts and Rhode Island, 1 representative from a telecommunications company regulated by the Massachusetts Department of Telecommunications and Cable, and 1 consumer who has experience contracting for security system services serving Massachusetts.

(c)The organizational meeting of the commission shall be convened by the co-chairs not later than 30 days after the effective date of this act whether or not all of its members have been appointed and qualified.

(d)   The special commission shall make an investigation and study of Massachusetts laws, including but not limited to Sections 3L and 3P of Chapter 143, Sections 57-61 of Chapter 147 and Chapter 141 of the Massachusetts General Laws and regulations, including definitions and exemptions, policies and relevant case law for their effectiveness in the oversight, licensure and uniform enforcement of the security and life safety systems industry, models adopted in other states and best practices for ensuring comprehensive local and national background checks.

(e) The special commission shall file a report by December 31, 2016 with the office of the governor, the clerk of the House of Representatives and the clerk of the senate, along with recommendations, if any, together with drafts of legislation necessary to carry those recommendations into effect.

(f) In consultation with the special commission, the board of electrical examiners may develop regulations or policies to address issues of immediate concern to the commission in relation to the protection of public and consumer safety.