Alabama 2022 Regular Session

Alabama House Bill HB467

Introduced
3/8/22  

Caption

Alabama Private Investigation Board, qualifications of, background checks on, and continuing education for private investigators; licensing, internships, and regulation of private investigator apprentices; licensing and regulation of private investigation agencies provided, Sec. 24-25B-12.1 added; Secs. 34-25B-2, 34-25B-3, 34-25B-4, 34-25B-7, 34-25B-10, 34-25B-11, 34-25B-12, 34-25B-13, 34-25B-14, 34-25B-17, 34-25B-18, 34-25B-21, 34-25B-22, 34-25B-26 am'd.

Impact

The legislation stipulates that licensees must report any arrests to the board within a 72-hour period, which introduces an accountability measure meant to reinforce professional integrity. Furthermore, practitioners will be required to complete a minimum of 16 hours of continuing education every two years to maintain their licenses. This educational requirement, which includes ethics training, is designed to keep private investigators updated on industry practices and legal standards.

Summary

House Bill 467 establishes comprehensive regulations for private investigators and private investigation agencies in Alabama. The bill aims to enhance the qualifications required for licensure by mandating educational and work experience prerequisites for applicants. It includes specific provisions for criminal history background checks to ensure that only qualified individuals receive licenses. Additionally, the bill clarifies which fees need to be deposited into the newly established Alabama Private Investigation Board Fund, thus ensuring better financial management of licensing practices.

Contention

Notably, the introduction of an apprentice license allows individuals to gain practical experience under the supervision of a licensed investigator, facilitating entry into the profession. However, the bill also imposes administrative penalties on unlicensed practice, classifying violations as punishable misdemeanors, which may be contentious among stakeholders who argue it could create barriers to entry for aspiring private investigators. Overall, HB467 aims to standardize practices in the private investigation sector while enhancing public safety and trust.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Similar Bills

AL HB75

Relating to the Alabama Private Investigation Regulatory Act; to designate as Article 1, Sections 34-25B-1 to 34-25B-29, inclusive, Code of Alabama 1975; to amend Sections 34-25B-2, 34-25B-3, 34-25B-4, 34-25B-7, 34-25B-10, 34-25B-11, 34-25B-12, 34-25B-13, 34-25B-14, 34-25B-17, 34-25B-18, 34-25B-21, 34-25B-22, and 34-25B-26 of the Code of Alabama 1975, relating to the Alabama Private Investigation Board; to add Section 34-25B-12.1 and add a new Article 2, commencing with Section 34-25B-50 to Chapter 25B, Title 34 of the Code of Alabama 1975; to require applicants for private investigator licenses to complete education and work experience; to clarify those fees collected by the board that must be deposited into the Alabama Private Investigation Board Fund; to provide further for the qualifications for licensure as a private investigator; to provide further for criminal history background checks for applicants for licensure; to authorize the board to grant inactive status to licensees and to provide, by rule, for a procedure and fee to reinstate an inactive license; to provide for administrative penalties against any person practicing without a license; to require licensees to report arrests to the board within 72 hours; and to clarify that the number of hours of continuing education required to maintain licensure is 16 hours during the two-year license period; to license private investigator apprentices and allow apprentices to gain work experience through an internship; to provide for licensure of apprentices as private investigators after completing certain requirements; and to provide for licensure of private investigation agencies that do business in the state; and in connection therewith would have as its purpose or effect the requirement of a new or increased expenditure of local funds within the meaning of Section 111.05 of the Constitution of Alabama of 2022.

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