HB197 Alabama 2013 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Howard Sanderford

Republican

Co-Sponsors

Micky HammonMarcel BlackWilliam RobertsDan WilliamsJohn MerrillRandy DavisElaine BeechCharles O. NewtonApril WeaverDavid SessionsJim CarnsMac ButtramMark TuggleAlan HarperAlan BootheSteve McMillanMack N. ButlerPatricia ToddTerri CollinsChad FincherMike MillicanMike BallBecky NordgrenBarry MooreLynn GreerLesley VanceMac McCutcheonJim PattersonAllen FarleyWes LongRichard BaughnGreg BurdineDonnie ChesteenSteve ClouseMike Jones

Session

Regular Session 2013

Title

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

Summary

HB197 would create the Alabama Private Investigation Board to license and regulate private investigators, set standards for practice, and oversee enforcement and training.

What This Bill Does

If enacted, the bill would establish the Alabama Private Investigation Board, define key terms, require private investigators to be licensed, and impose penalties for practicing without a license. It would create a dedicated board fund funded by fees and fines, set licensing, renewal, and examination requirements, and provide for disciplinary actions and investigations of licensees. The act would also establish ongoing education, ethics rules, training certification, reciprocal licensing with other states, and a sunset provision that could terminate the board unless renewed.

Who It Affects

• Private investigators and private investigation firms in Alabama would be required to obtain and maintain a state license, meet background check and exam requirements, pay fees, display their license, and follow board rules.
• The general public and clients hiring investigators would be protected by regulated standards, ethics requirements, complaint processes, and potential disciplinary action against licensees; there is also a provision requiring reporting of suspected child abuse by licensees.

Key Provisions

• Creation of the Alabama Private Investigation Board to license investigators, regulate the practice, set standards, and discipline licensees.
• Prohibition on practicing private investigation without a state license; violations are Class A misdemeanors; license display and record-keeping requirements.
• Licensing qualifications and background checks: age at least 21, U.S. citizenship or resident alien status, no felony or moral turpitude conviction, fingerprinting, and passing an exam (twice annually) administered by the board.
• Licensing process and renewal: two-year license validity, renewal with background review, mandatory late fees, and display of license; issuance of a laminated identification card.
• Board structure and duties: seven-member board including appointments by Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Speaker, Attorney General, Alabama State Bar, and Alabama Private Investigators Association; quasi-judicial immunity for members; open meetings; and delegated investigative authority through a Division of Investigation.
• Funding and spending: creation of the Alabama Private Investigation Board Fund; fees and fines deposited to the fund and used only for board operations; appropriations required for expenditures.
• Continuing education and training: eight hours of annual continuing education for licensees, at least one ethics hour per year, and a certified trainer program with requirements for instructors and assistants.
• Reciprocity and exemptions: ability to negotiate reciprocal agreements with other states; numerous exemptions for certain professionals and entities (e.g., attorneys, corporate employees, accountants, consumer reporting agencies, etc.).
• Sunset and renewal: the board automatically terminates in 2016 unless renewed or reestablished, with ongoing applicability under the Sunset Law and related provisions.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Private Investigation Board