Assigned to PS FOR COMMITTEE
ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Seventh Legislature, First Regular Session
FACT SHEET FOR S.B. 1618
security guards; private investigators; licensure
Purpose
Extends the validity, from two years to four years, for private investigator and security
guard agency licenses and related registration certificates and removes the 90-day limit on
renewing licenses and certificates after expiration.
Background
The Department of Public Safety (DPS) must issue a private investigator agency license
for a period of two years to a person that submits a completed application and all application and
fingerprint processing fees, a surety bond of $2,500 and a certificate of workers' compensation
insurance, if applicable (A.R.S. § 32-2425). The Director of DPS (Director) may renew a private
investigator agency license, or the registration certificate of an employee of a business holding an
agency license, after receiving the required application and fees.
DPS must issue a security guard agency license for a period of two years to a person that
submits a completed application and all application and fingerprint processing fees, proof of
required liability and workers' compensation insurance and an identification of the certified
security guard and firearms safety training instructors that the applicant uses. A security guard,
armed security guard, security guard training instructor or firearms safety training instructor
registration certificate may be issued after submitting a completed application and required fees,
proof of the completion for any required training and a statement from the applicant's employer
requesting and authorizing armed security guard registration status for the applicant (A.R.S.
§§ 32-2607; 32-2613; 32-2614; 32-2623; and 32-2624).
DPS may conduct periodic state criminal history checks to ensure the continued
qualification of licensees. The renewal of an agency license or registration certification may not
be granted more than 90 days after expiration and no licensee or registrant may engage in any
private investigator activity or private security guard service during the period between the date of
expiration and renewal of the license or registration (A.R.S. § 32-2407).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation.
Provisions
1. Extends, from a period of two years to a period of four years, the validity of an original or
renewed agency licenses for private investigators and security guards.
2. Removes the prohibition on renewing the following licenses and certificates 90 days after
expiration:
a) a private investigator or security guard agency license; FACT SHEET
S.B. 1618
Page 2
b) the registration certificate of an employee of a business holding a private investigator
agency license; and
c) a registration certificate for a security guard, armed security guard, security guard training
instructor or firearms safety training instructor.
3. Expands the allowance for DPS to conduct periodic criminal history checks to ensure
continued qualification of the outlined licensees and registrants, rather than state criminal
history checks.
4. Makes technical and conforming changes.
5. Becomes effective on the general effective date.
Prepared by Senate Research
February 17, 2025
KJA/NRG/mg