North CarolinaSB 7102025-2026 SessionSenate

AN ACT TO MODERNIZE THE ALARMS SYSTEMS LICENSING ACT, MAKE VARIOUS CHANGES TO THE PRIVATE PROTECTIVE SERVICES BOARD LAWS, STRENGTHEN THE OVERSIGHT AUTHORITY OF THE ABC COMMISSION, REQUIRE SENATE CONFIRMATION FOR THE ADJUTANT GENERAL OF THE NORTH CAROLINA NATIONAL GUARD, AND TO MODIFY PROVISIONS REGARDING SUMMARY COURTS-MARTIAL AND THE APPOINTMENT AND SERVICE OF MILITARY JUDGES OF THE NORTH CAROLINA NATIONAL GUARD.

Sponsored By: Buck Newton (Republican), Danny Earl Britt, Jr. (Republican), Warren Daniel (Republican)

Signed by Governor

ALARM SYSTEMSSECURITY SYSTEMS LICENSING BOARDALCOHOLIC BEVERAGESAPPOINTMENTSAPPRENTICESHIPSARMED FORCESBOARDSCOMMISSIONSCOURTSCRIMINAL RECORDSEMERGENCY SERVICESEMPLOYMENTGENERAL ASSEMBLYGOVERNORJUDGESLICENSING & CERTIFICATIONOCCUPATIONSPRESENTEDPRIVATE PROTECTIVE SERVICES BD

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

17 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 3 costs, 11 mixed.

Register alarm and system workers

Beginning Oct 1, 2025, security system businesses must register certain employees within 30 days of hire. You may use a probationary worker for up to 20 days, but training and a criminal record check must be done before any systems work. Employers must send a monthly list of probationary workers. Registration must include FBI fingerprint cards, ID photos, and criminal record statements for all places lived in the last 48 months.

Tougher checks for security licenses

The Boards and the Secretary of Public Safety can investigate complaints and unlicensed work. The Board can issue written cease‑and‑desist orders with the Secretary’s approval. The law expands why a license or registration can be denied or suspended. Beginning Oct 1, 2025, the Boards are exempt from some limits on using criminal records and may see some expunged records for licensing checks. The law also repeals Section 2(a) of Session Law 2023‑92.

Higher insurance and tougher penalties for security firms

Beginning Oct 1, 2025, firms must show liability insurance of at least $250,000 per person, $500,000 per accident, and $100,000 for property damage. The Board can fine up to $2,000 per violation of the chapter or rules. Any contract with an unlicensed seller or installer is void and treated as an unfair trade practice.

Firearm and training rules for security

Beginning Oct 1, 2025, the Board and the Secretary set standard firearms and unarmed‑guard training with refresher and requalification before renewal. Only someone with a valid firearm registration permit may carry on duty or going to and from work; permits are pocket cards that renew yearly and must be returned within 15 working days after leaving a job. Employers may place an armed hire for up to 30 days while training with Director approval, and may use out‑of‑state armed guards during declared emergencies with NC training and Board‑certified qualification. Private protective licensees may carry concealed on duty if they also hold a state concealed‑handgun permit, finish approved training, and have the authorization noted on their card. The Board can sponsor concealed‑carry courses, proprietary security teams with armed guards must be licensed and renew every two years, and the Board cannot permit anyone barred by law from having a firearm.

New hiring rules for security guards

Beginning Oct 1, 2025, companies may use an unarmed guard for up to 20 days before registration. After that, they must register the worker within 30 days and send a monthly list of probationary hires. Unarmed guards get a one‑year pocket card; renewal is yearly and may require training. Firms cannot place regular guards without the right card or permit. With prior notice and approval, a firm may use an out‑of‑state unarmed guard for up to 10 days in a month.

More jobs now need a security license

The law expands what counts as a security systems business. If you install, service, or monitor alarms, cameras, or integrated security, you must be licensed. Firms must name a full-time qualifying agent who meets training and character rules. New applicants and staff go through fingerprint background checks; those records stay confidential. Beginning Oct 1, 2025, the Director can grant longer temporary branch approvals.

Faster ABC compliance checks and notices

Beginning Oct 1, 2025, the ABC Commission can set forms or procedures to show you follow local, State, and federal laws. When a law enforcement agency (not ALE or a local ABC officer) reports violations at your permitted place, the Commission must send you written notice within five business days naming the alleged violations and the employee involved.

Military judges can issue subpoenas

Military judges appointed by the Adjutant General can issue investigative subpoenas under military rules. These subpoenas have the same force as state court subpoenas and can be served by Guard or law officers.

Stronger board powers and rulemaking

Starting Oct 1, 2025, a full‑time Director runs the Security Systems Licensing Board and can issue temporary approvals subject to Board review. Starting the same day, the Security Systems and Private Protective Services Boards can adopt rules to carry out the law. The Board may buy, sell, or lease real property with approval from the Governor and Council of State, and any collateral is limited to the Board’s own assets.

Small new fees to support training

Starting Oct 1, 2025, new security systems license applicants pay a $50 fee into the Education Fund. On July 1 in years when the Fund is under $25,000, each licensee may be charged up to $50. The Board may also charge up to $100 to review each continuing education course application.

Cities can require alarm permits

Cities and counties may require security businesses to register locally. If your alarm automatically calls police, your city may require a revocable permit. Local rules do not take away the State Board’s control.

Police hiring: review prior files

When hiring sworn officers or deputies, agencies must request the applicant’s full personnel file from any NC law enforcement job in the past five years. The applicant must sign a release. Prior agencies must share the files, and confidential items stay confidential. Agencies and staff are immune from lawsuits for sharing or getting these files.

Stricter checks and youth apprenticeships

Beginning Oct 1, 2025, boards can deny or revoke licenses for new listed crimes and false statements. Registered sex offenders cannot get a security license. People who already qualify for a private investigator license cannot get a trainee permit. Starting Oct 1, 2025, 16‑ and 17‑year‑olds can get apprenticeship permits with three character letters, including one from an official. Private protective firms can contract with units of government and work on public property.

Stricter firearms rules for private guards

Beginning Oct 1, 2025, armed guards may carry only employer‑owned or employer‑leased firearms while on duty. The Board can suspend, revoke, or deny firearm permits for listed crimes and can temporarily suspend during pending charges. Fees collected are used to run the firearms program. People authorized under 18 U.S.C. 926B or 926C do not need a state concealed‑handgun permit.

Trainee permits and five‑person cap

The Board may issue trainee permits for private investigators, polygraph examiners, electronic countermeasures, and digital forensics. Trainees must work under a licensed supervisor. One supervisor may oversee no more than five trainees at a time.

New rules for remote security monitoring

Guard companies that remotely monitor cameras or access control must get a separate limited monitoring license. The qualifying agent must complete a Board‑approved central station operator course. Out-of-state monitoring firms licensed elsewhere, with no NC representatives and only interstate communications, do not have to register NC employees if they provide a good‑standing certificate.

Stronger military justice for North Carolina Guard

The Adjutant General appoints military judges who are NC lawyers, NC Guard members, and lieutenant colonel or above; only certified judges may preside. Judges can be detailed across Army and Air Guard and can issue warrants, subpoenas, and punish contempt. Certain commanders may appoint summary courts‑martial; when a certified judge presides, sentences may include up to two‑thirds of one month’s pay, extra duty, and rank reduction, but no confinement. Sheriffs and police execute military warrants and sentences without charging fees; costs come from Public Safety funds. Fines or imprisonment are filed with the Wake County Clerk and entered in state criminal‑history records, and special or general court‑martial sentences need the Governor’s approval or delegation.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Cosponsors

Timothy D. Moffitt
Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 198 • No: 1

Senate vote • 6/25/2025

SB 710: DPS Agency Changes.-AB

Yes: 45 • No: 0 • Other: 5

House vote • 6/24/2025

SB 710: DPS Agency Changes.

Yes: 109 • No: 1 • Other: 8

Senate vote • 6/11/2025