Disclaimer

1. Disclaimer • Please note that this Power Point presentation is an educational tool that is general in nature.  It is not intended to be an exhaustive review of the Department of Public Safety’s laws and regulations and is not intended to provide legal advice.  Materials presented in this presentation should not be considered a substitute for actual statutory or regulatory language.  Always refer to the current edition of a referenced statute, code and\or regulation for precise language.  

2. Commonwealth of MassachusettsDepartment of Public SafetyS-License Program Presented by: Commissioner Thomas G. Gatzunis Todd M. Grossman- Deputy General Counsel

3. The “New” S-License Program • Formerly known as the Security Systems Contractor License. • Name change spurred by potential confusion related to Board of State Examiners of Electricians’ “systems contractor” license • Goal: to fully implement M.G.L. c. 147, §§57-61 • Must be renewed every two years.

4. Two Components: • The S-License: • must be obtained by the individual or company “engaged in the business or occupation” of installing wires, conduits and appliances for fire warning or security system purposes; • The S-License Employee Certificate of Clearance: • must be obtained by the S-Licensee for eachemployee, regardless of the employee’s position within the company.

5. Requirements for S-Licensure:1. Electrician’s License All applicants for S-Licensure must submit a legible copy of their valid electrician’s license. Any class license is acceptable.

6. 2. Criminal Background Check All applicants for an S-License must undergo a criminal history background check, or CORI, performed by DPS. • This is not a new requirement. • Applicants must complete and sign a CORI Request Form, included with the application. • Individuals convicted of a felony, wiretapping, or secretly overhearing jury deliberation are presumptively disqualified from licensure.

7. 3. Citizen Certification Applicants must submit 3 attestations, each signed by a reputable citizen of the Commonwealth residing in the community where the S-License applicant either lives, operates or will operate his or her business. Each attestation must certify: • That the citizen has known the applicant for at least 3 years; • That the citizen has read and believes the statements included on the S-License application to be true; • That the citizen is not related to the applicant by blood or marriage; and • That the applicant is honest and of good moral character. A standardized Citizen Certification Form will be included with the application, and may be reproduced.

8. 4. Identification All applicants must submit a legible copy of a photo i.d. bearing the applicant’s signature, such as a driver’s license or passport. Applicants who wish to have the license issued in the name of the company instead of the individual may do so, but must note it on the initial application.

9. General Grant of Access • S-licensees are given a general grant of access by CHSB to conduct CORI checks on employees. • Grant entitles S-licensees to expedited CORI authorization process.

10. Certificates of Clearance for Individuals Employed by S-Licensees: • All individuals employed by an S-Licensee must obtain a Certificate of Clearance, pursuant to M.G.L. c. 147, §60. • The Certificate of Clearance is valid for 2 years or until the employee leaves the employ of that S-Licensee. Certificates are non-transferable.

11. Requirements:1. Attestation for Certificates of Clearance • The S-Licensee must complete a separate Attestation for each employee. Available on-line at: www.mass.gov/dps Click on the “S-license” link towards the bottom of the DPS homepage.

12. 2. Performance of the Criminal Background Check S-Licensees must perform a criminal background check on each applicant for employment. Authorization granted through CHSB: 1. Submission of an “Individual Agreement of Non-Disclosure and Statement of CORI Certification Compliance;” 2. Requires adherence to CHSB record keeping requirements; 3. DPS may conduct audit to ensure compliance with security check requirement.

13. 3. CORI Request Form Prospective employees seeking a Certificate of Clearance must agree to undergo a criminal background check by completing and signing a CORI Request Form. Form forwarded to S-licensee by CHSB upon approval of grant.

14. Reviewing the CORI • Individuals who have been convicted of a felony or crime of moral turpitude are disqualified from employment by an S-Licensee, pursuant to M.G.L. c. 147, §60. • Individuals convicted of a crime of moral turpitude may appeal the disqualification and a Certificate may issue at the discretion of the Commissioner.

15. The “S-license- Crimes Classification Chart” identifies all felonies and crimes of moral turpitude in Massachusetts.

16. 4. Photo Identification All applicants for a Certificate of Clearance must submit a legible copy of a government issued photo i.d. bearing a signature, such as a driver’s license or passport.

17. 5. Signatures All applications must include the signatures of both the S-Licensee and the employee on whose behalf the Certificate of Clearance application is submitted.

18. Final Points: • All applications shall be submitted directly to DPS, instead of through the Board of State Examiners of Electricians, as was the previous protocol. • Applications, information, and the crimes chart is available on-line at www.mass.gov/dps. Click the “S- License” link on the bottom of the homepage.

19. Disclaimer • Please note that this Power Point presentation is an educational tool that is general in nature.  It is not intended to be an exhaustive review of the Department of Public Safety’s laws and regulations and is not intended to provide legal advice.  Materials presented in this presentation should not be considered a substitute for actual statutory or regulatory language.  Always refer to the current edition of a referenced statute, code and\or regulation for precise language.