SB172 Alabama 2013 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Bill Holtzclaw

Republican

Co-Sponsors

J.T. WaggonerArthur OrrGerald H. AllenTom WhatleyShadrack McGillClay ScofieldGreg J. ReedBryan TaylorJerry L. FieldingGeorge M. “Marc” KeaheyMark Slade BlackwellBobby D. SingletonRodger SmithermanScott Beason

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

SB172 creates the Alabama Private Investigation Board to license and regulate private investigators in Alabama, establishing standards for licensing, training, discipline, and enforcement with a sunset provision.

What This Bill Does

It establishes the Alabama Private Investigation Board and a dedicated fund to operate it. It defines private investigation terms, requires licensure with background checks and periodic exams, and sets a two-year license term with renewals. It grants the board disciplinary authority (suspension, revocation, fines) and creates an identification card for licensees. It also sets training and continuing education requirements, allows reciprocity with other states, and includes exemptions and a sunset provision that ends the board unless renewed.

Who It Affects

• Private investigators and private investigation businesses in Alabama who must be licensed, meet background, exam, and continuing education requirements, display their license, and may face discipline for violations.
• The public/consumers seeking private investigation services, who will be protected by regulated practice, ethical standards, disclosure rules, and enforcement of licensee conduct.

Key Provisions

• Creation of the Alabama Private Investigation Board as the licensing and regulatory authority for private investigators
• Definitions of felony, private investigation, private investigator, and private investigator licensee
• Licensure requirement with mandatory criminal background checks and a two-year license term
• Board composition: diverse membership and terms, with appointments by Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Speaker, Attorney General, Alabama Bar, and Alabama Private Investigators Association
• Establishment of the Alabama Private Investigation Board Fund to support board operations, with funds appropriated by the Legislature
• Authority to promulgate rules, ethics standards, and minimum professional standards; ability to hire staff
• License issuance process, fingerprint checks, required fees, license display, and identification card
• Renewal process every two years with background/conviction review and late renewal penalties
• Grounds for suspension, revocation, or denial of licenses; civil penalties up to $2,000 per violation
• Exemptions from local licensing requirements and allowance for certain local taxes or fees
• Reciprocal licensing agreements with other states for licensed investigators
• Mandatory reporting of suspected child abuse by licensees and open meeting provisions
• Creation of a Division of Investigation within the board and subpoena powers for investigations
• Continuing education requirement of eight hours per year and annual seminars including ethics
• Certification process for private investigation trainers and assistant trainers
• Sunset provision: board terminates in 2016 unless renewed or reestablished

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