Legislative Corner – March

As reported in the February eNewsletter, CALSAGA is anticipating a busy year in the State Capitol.  We are sponsoring two pieces of legislation this year – AB 2128 by Assemblyman Ted Gaines (R-Roseville) and SB 1312 by Senator Abel Maldonado (R-Santa Maria). 

AB 2128

Current law requires that only PPOs offering armed security services have a general liability policy of $500,000.  AB 2128 would increase the minimum general liability requirement to $1,000,000 and extend the requirement to all PPOs.  The bill would also require PPOs to provide proof of insurance when applying or renewing a PPO license through BSIS. 

CALSAGA contemplates the possibility that AB 2128 could be expanded to include a broader cleanup and modernization of the entire Private Security Services Act, and we continue internal discussions on areas of the Act that need improvement.  The bill is currently being amended in the Assembly Business and Professions Committee and is awaiting its first hearing. 

SB 1312

CALSAGA is also sponsoring is SB 1312.  SB 1312 would allow PPOs the option of registering firearms in their company name rather than in their individual officers’ names. 

Current law mandates that a firearm must be registered to the officer in possession of the weapon, and that each firearm must be rotated and re-qualified every 60 days.  For a security employer with multiple armed officers, meeting the re-qualification can be challenging.  SB 1312 would allow PPOs the option to register a firearm to the qualified manager, or designated employee, and for the weapon to be lent to an officer for an extended period of time.

CALSAGA has circulated this concept to the California Department of Justice, and is working with other key stakeholders to resolve any concerns.  The bill is scheduled to be heard in the Senate Public Safety Committee on April 13.  CALSAGA members will testify in support.   

We will keep you updated on the progress of both bills.