Texas House Bill HB61

Texas 2013 - 83rd 2nd C.S.

Caption

Relating to the submission of fingerprints with an application to the Texas Private Security Board.

Impact

The implications of HB 61 are significant on state laws governing private security and licensing. By requiring fingerprint submissions, the bill aims to ensure that individuals with a criminal history that disqualifies them from working in security roles are adequately filtered out during the application process. This not only raises the standards for licensure in the security industry but also aligns the regulations with public safety concerns, thereby potentially increasing trust and safety within communities served by security personnel.

Summary

House Bill 61 seeks to amend the Occupations Code regarding the requirements for submitting fingerprints as part of the application process for obtaining licenses, registrations, and other certifications under the Texas Private Security Board. This bill specifically mandates that every applicant for a license, registration, security officer commission, or certifications must provide their fingerprints to facilitate a comprehensive criminal history check as part of their application process. Such measures are intended to enhance the security and integrity of the personnel working in the private security sector.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 61 appears to be largely supportive, particularly among stakeholders in the security profession. Proponents believe that by instituting more stringent background checks, the bill addresses critical public safety concerns and promotes the professionalism of the security industry. Nonetheless, there may be some concerns regarding the efficiency and efficacy of the fingerprinting process, as well as its implications for privacy rights, although these issues are less publicly debated in the current discourse.

Contention

While there may not be vehement opposition to HB 61, potential points of contention stem from discussions surrounding implementation logistics and the administrative burden that the fingerprint submission could pose for applicants and the Texas Private Security Board. Concerns could also be raised about the broader impact on personal privacy and how the data collected from fingerprinting would be managed and protected, which are relevant considerations as the state continues to evolve its regulatory framework in the private security sector.