HB420 Alabama 2020 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Arnold MooneyRepresentative

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2020

Title

Private investigation, licensure of private investigator apprentices established, licensure of private investigation agencies required, Secs. 34-25B-12.1, 34-25B-40 to 34-25B-45, inclusive, added; Secs. 34-25B-2, 34-25B-3, 34-25B-4, 34-25B-7, 34-25B-8, 34-25B-10 to 34-25B-14, 34-25B-17, 34-25B-18, 34-25B-21, 34-25B-22, 34-25B-26 am'd.

Summary

HB420 would majorly regulate private investigators and agencies in Alabama by creating licensure requirements, an apprenticeship path, and new agency licensing, along with stronger oversight and penalties for unlicensed practice.

What This Bill Does

Creates the Alabama Private Investigation Board and a dedicated fund to manage licenses and board operations. Expands licensure requirements for private investigators, adds a private investigator apprentice license with an internship path to full licensure, requires background checks and continuing education, and imposes penalties for practicing without a license. Also requires private investigation agencies operating in the state to be licensed, with oversight of officer licensing, residency, and accountability for the agency’s conduct.

Who It Affects

• Private investigators and private investigator apprentices in Alabama, who would need to obtain and maintain licenses, undergo background checks, complete continuing education, and may pursue the new apprenticeship pathway to become licensed investigators.
• Private investigation agencies and their owners, officers, and employees, who would need to obtain agency licenses, meet officer licensing and state residency requirements, supervise apprentices, and ensure compliance with new rules and penalties.

Key Provisions

• Creates Article 1 for Private Investigator Licenses and Private Investigation Board and a fund to house fees for board operations.
• Requires criminal background checks, exams, and specified experience/education; allows internship via Private Investigator Apprentice section (34-25B-12.1) to count toward licensure as a PI.
• Establishes a Private Investigator Apprentice license with supervised training, 1,500 hours of training, and 24 hours of continuing education; allows licensee to become a full PI after completing an internship and passing the board exam, or reapply if internship is not completed within three years.
• Sets continuing education at 16 hours every two years for license renewals, with at least 2 hours in ethics, and requires annual seminars in each congressional district when possible.
• Allows inactive status for licensees with a board-defined reinstatement process and fee; provides penalties for practicing without a license (Class A misdemeanor, plus daily fines for unlicensed activity).
• Creates Article 2 for Private Investigation Agencies; agencies employing licensed PIs must obtain an agency license, be staffed by at least one licensed PI, and have a principal domiciled in Alabama; agencies must display license numbers and are responsible for employees' conduct.
• Requires license documents (license cards and agency certifications) to be issued, displayed, and renewed every two years with applicable fees; authorizes the board to adopt rules to implement the new provisions.
• Clarifies that the bill would require new local funds but is exempt from Amendment 621 requirements; becomes effective July 1, 2020.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Private Investigators