SB24 Alabama 2010 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Del Marsh

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2010

Title

Private Investigation Board, established, members, terms, powers, vacancies, private investigators, licensure and regulation, subject to Administrative Procedure Act, civil and criminal penalties, Private Investigators Licensing and Regulatory Act

Summary

SB24 creates the Alabama Private Investigation Board to license and regulate private investigators, making unlicensed practice a Class A misdemeanor.

What This Bill Does

It establishes the Alabama Private Investigation Board with defined membership and powers to license private investigators and set standards. It requires anyone practicing private investigation to obtain a license, pass background checks, meet character and citizenship requirements, and renew every two years with continuing education and ethics training. The board can discipline licensees for fraud, misrepresentation, or rule violations and may issue civil penalties; it also allows for reciprocal licensing with other states and permits localities to impose occupational taxes on licensees. Licensees must carry and display a laminated identification card; the act creates an investigative division and outlines fee structures and record-keeping requirements.

Who It Affects

• Prospective and current private investigators in Alabama and those seeking licensure or renewal; they must meet background checks, character standards, pass examinations, obtain licenses (valid for two years), and complete continuing education and ethics training.
• Local governments (cities/counties) and the general public; municipalities may impose bona fide occupational taxes on licensees, and the public will be affected by regulation, discipline, and licensing standards for private investigators.

Key Provisions

• Creation of the Alabama Private Investigation Board with specified members appointed by the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Speaker of the House, Attorney General, and the Alabama Private Investigators Association, all reflecting state diversity and expertise.
• License requirement for private investigators; unlicensed practice would be a Class A misdemeanor; existing licensees before enactment may continue until expiration and must license under this act thereafter.
• Definitions of key terms (private investigation, private investigator, licensee) and prohibition on presenting oneself as a private investigator without a valid license.
• Licensing process including background checks, fingerprints (three sets), eligibility criteria (age, citizenship/residency, moral character, no felony/moral turpitude conviction), examinations, nonrefundable/nonprorateable fees, and license issuance with ID card and display requirements.
• License validity for two years with renewal procedures, renewal fees, and review for criminal or civil findings; disciplinary actions (suspension, revocation, denial) and civil penalties for violations or false statements.
• Continuing education of eight hours per year, ethics training, and a system of certified trainers and potential assistant trainers; board rules to govern training and ethics standards.
• Reciprocal agreements with other states to allow licensed investigators to operate across state lines; annual reporting and access to copies of the act and rules for licensees.
• Exemptions for certain employees and activities not primarily engaged in private investigations; local occupational tax provision allowed; effective date defined as the first day of the third month after passage.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 25, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Private Investigation Board