Summary of New Laws Impacting Private Security
HB 03 Effective September 1, 2023
Caption: Relating to measures for ensuring public school safety, including the development and implementation of purchases relating to and funding for public school safety and security requirements and the provision of safety-related resources.
The bill adds new Education Code, Chapter 37, Section 37.0814, requiring each school district to have at least one armed peace officer present during regular school hours at each district campus.
- A school district may claim a good cause exception from this requirement based on the lack of available funding or qualified personnel. The board of trustees of a school district that claims a good cause exception must develop an alternative standard with which the district is able to comply, which may include providing a person to act as a security officer who is:
- (1) a school marshal; or
- (2) a school district employee or a person with whom the district contracts who:
- (A) has completed school safety training provided by a qualified handgun instructor certified in school safety under Government Code, Chapter 411, Section 411.1901; and
- (B) carries a handgun on school premises in accordance with written regulations or written authorization of the district under Penal Code, Chapter 46, Section 46.03(a)(1)(A).
Authorizes school districts to contract with private security guard companies (to supplement the required peace officers). Repeals the requirement that armed security personnel be commissioned peace officers.
HB 1133 Effective September 1, 2023
Caption: Relating to an exemption from the application of the Private Security Act for volunteer security services provided at certain places or events.
- Occupations Code, Chapter 1702, Section 1702.333, is amended to provide for an exemption from the application of the Private Security Act for volunteer security services provided at premises where an event sponsored or sanctioned by a public primary or secondary school is taking place.
- Permits a peace officer providing volunteer security services to a public primary or secondary school to wear the uniform of the agency during the event or a uniform or badge that gives the person the appearance of a peace officer.
HB 3424 Effective September 1, 2023
Caption: Relating to the eligibility and training requirements for commissioned security officers and personal protection officers.
- Beginning January 1, 2024
- Requires that self-defense tactics are included as part of the basic training course for commissioned security officers and personal protection officers.
- Handgun proficiency and self-defense courses must be completed in-person with an on-site instructor approved by the Department.
- All original and renewing applicants for a commissioned security officer license are required complete the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI).