The bill aims to alleviate the financial burden of licensing fees on private security guards by shifting the responsibility for these costs from the individual workers to their employers. Currently, private security guards must pay an initial licensing fee of $101 and an annual renewal fee of $95, which can be a significant barrier to entry and retention in the profession. The legislation recognizes the essential role that private security guards play in public safety and seeks to promote fairness and stability within the workforce by requiring private security companies to cover these fees.

Key amendments to existing law include the removal of the requirement for applicants to pay their own licensing fees and the introduction of a mandate for private security companies to pay all application, renewal, and endorsement fees for their employees. Additionally, the bill prohibits companies from requiring guards to reimburse these costs or deducting them from wages, with penalties for non-compliance. The bill also updates the application requirements for obtaining a private security guard license, including the need for a billing pin from the employer. Overall, the legislation aims to support a more stable and professional private security workforce in Washington.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 18.170.030, 18.170.040, 18.170.165