HOUSE BILL ANALYSIS

                     HB 1757

Brief Description:  Revising security guard licensing and requirements.

Sponsors:  Representatives Delvin, Sterk, Zellinsky and Hickel

                  Hearing:  February 26, 1997

BACKGROUND:

Licensing Requirements

The Department of Licensing regulates private security guards and private security guard businesses. Crowd control officer or guard is included within the definition of private security guard.

An applicant for a private security guard license must be at least eighteen years of age with no criminal convictions that relate to private security services or duties. The applicant must submit a set of fingerprints to the department for comparison with the fingerprint records at the Washington State Patrol.  The fingerprint records are in turn sent to the Federal Bureau of Investigation for a national criminal history records check.

An applicant for an armed private security guard license must meet the minimum requirements, be at least twenty-one years of age, and have a current fire arms certificate issued by the criminal justice training commission.

An applicant for a private security company license must be at least twenty-one years of age and have three years of private security business experience. An applicant must also pass an examination, and be insured. A private security business may not operate under a company name that portrays the company as a law enforcement agency, and may not use the word "police."  The business may not transfer or assign its license without the approval of the director of licensing.

The director conducts a background investigation, and issues a license card to each qualified applicant. Licensed security guards must carry the license card when performing security services and must present the card upon request. The director issues a license certificate to private investigator businesses that must be conspicuously displayed by the business. 

A licensed security company may issue an employee a temporary registration card after an employee has completed preassignment training and has submitted a completed application for a license.  The temporary registration card is valid for sixty days and permits an applicant to perform private security guard services.

A licensed security guard must submit a transfer application if he or she transfers from one company to another.  Within thirty days of the death or termination of employment of a private security guard, the business that employed the guard must return the guard=s license.

The director may  investigate complaints for unprofessional conduct and impose sanctions for violations of the licensing requirements. Specific acts may result in a person's conviction of a gross misdemeanor violation. The department is authorized to assess administrative penalties along with license suspension, revocation, or disciplinary action.

SUMMARY OF BILL:

Revises the licensing provision for private security guards and private security guard businesses.

Upon employment, a licensee is required to notify the department. If a licensee is employed by more than one employer, he or she must notify the department and pay a dual employment fee.

In order to decide the truth of an application for a private security guard license, the director must submit an applicant=s fingerprints to the Washington State Patrol for comparison, and an electronic background check.

RULES AUTHORITY:  The bill does not contain provisions addressing the rule-making powers of an agency.

FISCAL NOTE:  Not requested.

EFFECTIVE DATE:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.