HB 1988

HOUSE BILL REPORT
HB 1988

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

As Reported by House Committee On:
Commerce & Labor

Sponsors: Representatives Morrell, DeBolt, Lovick, Conway, Green, Hudgins and Kenney.

Majority Report: The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass. Signed by 7 members: Representatives Conway, Chair; Wood, Vice Chair; Condotta, Ranking Minority Member; Chandler, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Green, Moeller and Williams.

Background:

Approximately 7,500 persons are licensed to work as private security guards in Washington. Security guards must complete at least eight hours of pre-assignment training. At least four hours of this training must be classroom instruction. A trainer certified by the Department of Licensing (Department) must report this training to the Department. The training may be waived for a person who was employed full-time as a peace officer not more than five years prior to applying for a license and who passes the security guard exam.

Security guards must also complete at least eight hours of post-assignment training. Four of these hours must be completed within the first six months of becoming licensed and the remaining four must be completed within the following six months. The eight-hour requirement increases by one hour every year until 2012 for a total of 15 hours of post-assignment training.

Summary of Substitute Bill:

The requirements for private security guard post-assignment training are modified. Instead of a one-hour increase each year until 2012, the training is separated into initial post-assignment training and annual refresher training. The initial post-assignment training is eight hours and the annual refresher training is four hours. For the refresher training, no more than one hour may focus directly on customer service-related skills, and the remaining three hours must focus on emergency response, including but not limited to knowledge of site post orders or life safety.

The time frame for completion of post-assignment training is changed. Instead of being based on the individual security guard's license date, the time frame is determined by whether the security guard was licensed in the first half of the year or the last half of the year. Those licensed in the first half of the year must complete their training by June 30 of the following year and those licensed in the second half of the year must complete their training by December 31 of the following year.

A security guard company may waive the pre-assignment training for security guards who transfer from another company and have appropriate records. Companies must retain all training records. Training records must contain a description of the topics covered, the name and signature of the trainer, and the name and signature of the security guard.

The Department must meet with interested parties to develop lists of suggested pre-assignment, post-assignment, and refresher training by rule.

Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill:

The substitute bill provides a transition time frame so that guards receiving their temporary registration card before the effective date of the act have until June 30, 2008, to complete their initial post-assignment training. Security guards who transfer from other companies and peace officers may be exempted from the pre-assignment training, not the post-assignment training. The reference in current law to peace officers is restored, rather than changing the reference to law enforcement officer. Other clarifying changes are made.

Effective Date of Substitute Bill: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) This bill is important for the safety of our citizens. It is critical that security guards have the training to help us do the best job we can do. The training will make security guards professional. This is an agreed-upon bill that also helps with the administration. The industry has worked hard to come to this agreement. It will cost us a little money but it will also save us money.

(Opposed) None.

Persons Testifying: (In support) Representative Morrell, prime sponsor; Sergio Salinas, David Miles, and Heath Manley, Service Employees International Union 6; Michael Transue, Pierce County Security; and Rod Kauffman, Building Owners and Managers Association.