SB161 Alabama 2019 Session

Updated Feb 24, 2026

Summary

Primary Sponsor: J.T. WaggonerSenator
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2019
Title: Alabama Security Regulatory Board, bd. auth. to hold hearings and issue subpoenas, fees set by rule of board, classroom training requirements provided and modified by rule of board, practice without license a Class A misdemeanor, Secs. 34-27C-1 to 34-27C-5, inclusive, 34-27C-7 to 34-27C-13, inclusive, 34-27C-16, 34-27C-17, 34-27C-18 am'd.
Summary: SB 161 strengthens the Alabama Security Regulatory Board's control over private security licensing, updates training and fee rules, and tightens penalties for practicing without a license.
What This Bill Does
If enacted, the bill gives the board power to hold hearings, issue subpoenas, administer oaths, and set licensure and certification fees with caps; it also allows late renewal fees and ties appeals to board rules and the Administrative Procedure Act. It requires the board to establish specific training requirements for applicants and renewals, and makes it illegal to work as a security officer or armed security officer without a license or certification. It imposes obligations on contract security companies for their security personnel, enables reciprocity with other states, and allows limited out-of-state operation during state emergencies while ensuring background checks and other safeguards. It also clarifies license denial, probation, suspension, or revocation processes and reiterates exemptions for sworn peace officers.

Who It Affects
Security officers and armed security officers: must obtain or renew a board-issued license or certification, complete mandatory training (including firearms safety and use-of-force Training for armed officers), undergo background checks, and could face a Class A misdemeanor for practicing without a license.
Contract security companies and their employers: must employ a qualifying agent approved by the board, pay licensing and renewal fees, ensure staff training and ongoing compliance, maintain records, notify the board of changes in leadership or status, and comply with board rules and reporting requirements.

Key Provisions
Creates and funds enhanced authority for the Alabama Security Regulatory Board to hold hearings, issue subpoenas, administer oaths, and set license/certification application fees with caps on increases per licensing period; allows reasonable late renewal fees.
Defines key terms (e.g., armed security officer, contract security company, certification/licensure card) and sets standards for licensure, certification, and credentialing.
Requires background checks (fingerprints and state/national checks), with costs paid by applicants; authorizes board to deny, suspend, or revoke licenses for violations and to grant appeals/hearings under the Administrative Procedure Act.
Implements training requirements: minimum initial classroom training (8 hours with specified timelines) and 8 hours of refresher training, plus firearms safety and use-of-force training for armed officers, with rules to modify specifics by board rule.
Revises the licensure/renewal fee structure (max $350 initial license for contractors with cap increases; security officer fees up to $100 with caps), sets license expiration and renewal deadlines, and allows reasonable late fees.
Requires contract security companies to have a qualifying agent licensed by the board, limits the number of licensees per agent, and requires notice and substitution timelines if the agent leaves; includes reporting duties for adverse information affecting licensure.
Allows reciprocity for out-of-state licensees if qualifications are substantially equivalent, and permits temporary out-of-state operation during Governor-declared emergencies (up to 30 days after emergency ends).
Outlines penalties for violations (fines from $75 to $2,000 per violation) and potential probation, suspension, or revocation of licenses; prohibits false representations or improper marketing that misleads the public about status as a peace officer.
Post-employment requirements (display of license/certification, reporting changes in officers/management) and general regulatory clarifications; includes Sunset Law provisions for periodic review.

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