1. (a) In this part the following words have the meanings indicated.
2. (b) “Alarm system” means a burglary alarm system, robbery alarm system, or automatic fire alarm system.

3. (c)

   1. (1) “Alarm system contractor” means a person who installs, maintains, monitors, alters, or services alarm systems.
   2. (2) “Alarm system contractor” does not include a person who only manufactures or sells alarm systems.

4. (d) “Alarm user” means:

   1. (1) a person in control of an alarm system within, on, or around any building, structure, facility, or site; or
   2. (2) the owner or lessee of an alarm system.

5. (e)

   1. (1) “False alarm” means a request for immediate assistance from a law enforcement unit or fire department regardless of cause that is not in response to an actual emergency situation or threatened suggested criminal activity.

   2. (2) “False alarm” includes:

      1. (i) a negligently or accidentally activated signal;
      2. (ii) a signal that is activated as the result of faulty, malfunctioning, or improperly installed or maintained equipment; and
      3. (iii) a signal that is purposely activated in a nonemergency situation.

   3. (3) “False alarm” does not include:

      1. (i) a signal activated by unusually severe weather conditions or other causes beyond the control of the alarm user or alarm system contractor; or
      2. (ii) a signal activated within 60 days after a new installation of an alarm system.
6. (f) “Law enforcement unit” means the Department of State Police, the police department of a county or municipal corporation, and a sheriff's department or other governmental law enforcement unit having employees authorized to make arrests.
7. (g) “Signal” means the activation of an alarm system that requests a response by a law enforcement unit or a fire department.

Added by Acts 2002, c. 26, § 2, eff. Oct. 1, 2002.

Formerly Art. 27, § 156A.