Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Texas House Bill HB2899

Voted on by House
 
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to restrictions on branch office licenses and employees under the Private Security Act.

Impact

By implementing these restrictions, HB2899 seeks to enhance the governance over branch offices in the private security sector and ensure that they operate under the regulations defined by the state. The new provisions will require that employees at these branch offices are bona fide employees of the license holder and cannot act as independent contractors or employees of other entities when providing services under the license. This change is aimed at preventing potential conflicts of interest and ensuring that those performing security functions are directly accountable to the license holder.

Summary

House Bill 2899 addresses the regulations surrounding branch office licenses and employees within the framework of the Private Security Act. The bill introduces two new sections to the Occupations Code that explicitly limit how branch office licenses can be advertised and who can operate them. According to the bill, a branch office license is considered the property of the issuing board, which means it cannot be claimed as private property by the license holder or sold in a commercial context. This establishes clear ownership and limits the potential for misuse of these licenses in the private security industry.

Contention

While the bill aims to promote better regulation within the private security realm, it may also face scrutiny from those in the security industry who prefer less restrictive oversight. There could be concerns that such measures may hinder operational flexibility for branch offices, which might rely on independent contractors for specific functions. Stakeholders, including security firms and advocacy groups, might raise objections regarding the practicality of the new requirements, especially with respect to staffing and operational costs. These discussions will likely be pivotal in future legislative sessions as stakeholders navigate the balance between regulation and operational viability.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX SB892

Relating to the employment of certain peace officers as private security officers.

TX HB2064

Relating to the employment of honorably retired peace officers as school district security personnel and the applicability to those officers of certain law governing private security.

TX HB2456

Relating to the employment of honorably retired peace officers as school district security personnel and the applicability to those officers of certain law governing private security.

TX SB357

Relating to the employment of honorably retired peace officers as school district security personnel and the applicability to those officers of certain law governing private security.

TX HB3909

Relating to the classification of employees of a company license holder under the Private Security Act.

TX HB4941

Relating to the regulation of private security.

TX HB3910

Relating to requiring a school security officer license to provide private security services at a public primary or secondary school.

TX HB18

Relating to the employment and licensing of border security officers employed by the Department of Public Safety.

TX HB20

Relating to the employment and licensing of border security officers employed by the Department of Public Safety.

TX HB3428

Relating to certain employment restrictions for former county or municipal officers or employees.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.