Security Guards and Security Guard Employers - Registration, Certification, and Regulation

HB 1347 exempts cannabis security agents employed by licensed cannabis businesses or security guard agencies from needing state/national criminal history background checks, provided they are already authorized to provide security services under Maryland’s existing security guard laws. This directly affects cannabis security workers and cannabis businesses that employ them, as it removes a specific barrier to their employment. The bill modifies registration requirements by requiring cannabis agents to register with the Administration (valid for 2 years) but eliminates the criminal check requirement for those meeting security guard certification standards. Other provisions include annual training requirements for agents and maintaining registration validity for pre-July 2023 registrations. The law takes effect October 1, 2025.