Security guards: training.

A phased implementation structure was added: current training requirements (32 hours for security guards, existing rules for proprietary private security officers) remain in effect until January 1, 2029, after which enhanced requirements become operative. New sections 7574.18 and 7583.6 are added with a sunset date of January 1, 2029 to bridge the transition.

The bill now incorporates additional changes to Sections 7574.18 and 7583.6 proposed by SB 1203, operative only if both bills are enacted and SB 1148 is enacted last.

Starting January 1, 2029, total security officer skills training increases from 32 hours to 42 hours for both security guards and proprietary private security officers. The initial requirement within 30 days of registration increases from 16 hours to 18 hours.

Eight hours of the 42-hour training must be dedicated to deescalation skills using evidence-based, trauma-informed techniques through in-person role-play and interactive methods. The deescalation instructor must be a human being physically present and live with students for 100 percent of the course.

Two of the first 18 hours of training must be dedicated to training employees on rights contained in the notice described in Labor Code Section 1553 (worker rights notice).

Annual review or practice of security officer skills increases from 8 hours to 12 hours starting January 1, 2029, with at least 4 of those hours dedicated to deescalation skills through in-person role-play and interactive methods. This annual training must be compensated by the employer.

Employers must pay the cost of security skills training (including deescalation training) and compensate guards for time spent attending training, if the guard is employed by or has a pending offer from that employer. No part of the training may be completed while a guard is on duty at their post.

Labor organizations representing security guards may apply to the bureau to provide the two-hour rights training. Application requires a $400 fee, and certificates are valid for two years with a $300 renewal fee and $350 reinstatement fee.

The bill now amends Section 7574.18 (Proprietary Security Services Act) in addition to Section 7583.6, extending the pre-registration training flexibility to proprietary private security officers regulated by the Department of Consumer Affairs, not just licensed security guards regulated by the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services.

New Section 7574.18(g) exempts peace officers who completed a POST-approved arrest and use-of-force course, and armored vehicle guards, from the proprietary private security officer training requirements.

For security guards under Section 7583.6, the introduced version allowed any registrant to complete skills training before registration was issued. The amended version adds a new subdivision (b)(2) that narrows this: only a person who has already completed the course in the exercise of the power to arrest and appropriate use of force may complete the skills training before registration is issued.

New Section 7574.18(h) allows proprietary private security officers to submit Verification of Military Experience and Training (VMET) records documenting equivalent military training in lieu of completing the required security officer skills course. The department determines which military training qualifies.

The new Section 7574.18 provisions have a retroactive operative date of July 1, 2023, meaning they apply as if they had been in effect since that date.

New Section 7574.18 adds requirements for proprietary private security officers including: annual review or practice of security officer skills (minimum hours to be set by regulation), record-keeping for at least two years, certificate issuance rules, and provisions allowing employers to administer their own training courses.