Rhode Island § 5-57-38 - Burglar and Hold-Up Alarm Businesses
Full text of Rhode Island Rhode Island General Laws § 5-57-38 — Burglar and Hold-Up Alarm Businesses, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 5-57-38. Burglar and Hold-Up Alarm Businesses
R.I. Gen. Laws § 5-57-38
§ 5-57-38. Local governmental regulations of alarm business or alarm agents.
(a) Immediately upon the effective date of this chapter [September 1, 1977], no local governmental subdivision within this state shall enact any ordinance or promulgate any rules or regulations relating to the licensing of alarm businesses, alarm agents, or other individuals required to obtain an I.D. card under this chapter.
(b) Sixty (60) days after September 1, 1977, any provision of any legislation or rules or regulations of any local governmental subdivision within the state requiring the licensing of an alarm business or requiring that alarm agents or other individuals employed by or associated with an alarm business obtain I.D. cards are no longer effective.
(c) The provisions of this chapter are not intended to and do not prevent the legally constituted authority of any local governmental subdivision within the state by legislation, rules, or regulations, and within the police power of that local governmental subdivision, from requiring alarm businesses and/or alarm agents to register their names, addresses, and license certificate number or I.D. card number with the local governmental subdivision within which they operate. Those local governmental subdivisions may also require that alarm businesses and alarm agents shall be given reasonable notice of termination or suspension of licenses and I.D. cards. No fee may be charged nor may any application be required by any local governmental subdivision for that registration.
(d) Although this chapter preempts local governmental subdivisions from enacting any licensing legislation or promulgating licensing rules or regulations applicable to alarm business or alarm agents, local governmental authorities may, by legislation or reasonable rules or regulations, require alarm system users in their jurisdiction to obtain a permit at the time of installation and fix a nominal fee for those permits; those fees shall not exceed twenty-five dollars ($25.00).
History of Section.
P.L. 1977, ch. 248, § 1.
Source: official Rhode Island text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhode Island § 5-57-38
What does Rhode Island General Laws § 5-57-38 cover?
Section 5-57-38 ("Burglar and Hold-Up Alarm Businesses") is part of the Rhode Island General Laws, the codified statutory law of Rhode Island. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Rhode Island § 5-57-38?
A common citation format is "Rhode Island General Laws § 5-57-38" (Rhode Island). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Rhode Island law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Rhode Island official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Rhode Island attorney.
How does Rhode Island § 5-57-38 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Rhode Island can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Rhode Island.