SPONSOR: Peters
This bill creates statewide security guard licenses. Starting January 1, 2027, a person must have a license to establish, conduct, or maintain a security company or perform security services as a security guard. Operating without a required license is punishable as a class B misdemeanor.
The bill establishes three classes of security guard licenses. A class A license is an armed security guard and can carry a firearm. A class B security guard is an unarmed security guard and can carry pepper spray, a baton, a stun gun or any other device certified by the peace officer standards and training commission. Class C security guard is a watchman and can only engage in tasks of observation and reporting.
Security guards must stay within designated areas unless authorized by the Department of Public Safety .
Class A licenses can have endorsements to work in schools and hospitals. Any security guard holding a class A or B license can apply for a limited powers of arrest endorsement authorizing the security guard to make arrests with limitations outlined in the bill.
The bill creates the "Security Industry Fund" which consists of moneys collected for each application for a license and application for renewal of a license. The fee is to be set by the Department.
The Department cannot issue a security guard license to any person unless the person:
(1) Is 18 years of age or older;
(2) Has submitted an application and paid the required license fee; and
(3) Has completed training on the roles and responsibilities applicable to the class of license and any type of endorsement he or she is seeking at a training center.
Class A and class B licensees are required to complete additional annual training. Licenses are issued for 2 years and can be renewed.
The Department can suspend, censure, revoke, refuse to renew, or refuse to issue a license for reasons specified in the bill. The Department is given rule making authority for the provisions of this bill.
Statutes affected: