Generally revise professional occupation laws related to private security
SB 198 generally revises professional occupation laws related to private security by clarifying several key definitions. The bill amends Section 37-60-101, MCA, to refine the definitions of "electronic security firm," "private security guard," and "security alarm installer." It specifies that an "electronic security firm" employs security alarm installers and excludes locksmiths who also install certain camera or door devices from being classified under these terms. Additionally, it updates the employer of a "private security guard" from an "agency" to a "firm."
Bill status
signed
all 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2025
Committee Review
Mar 2025
Senate Passage
Apr 2025
House Passage
Apr 2025
Signed into Law
Apr 2025
Introduced Jan 21, 2025
Signed Apr 18, 2025
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What changed between versions
SB0198_X.pdf
→
SB0198_X(1).pdf
·
4 edits
MODERATE
This bill removes the license requirement for private security firms and guards, simplifying regulations in the private security industry. It clarifies definitions for electronic security firms, private security guards, and security alarm installers to ensure clearer legal standards. The changes aim to reduce administrative burdens while maintaining necessary oversight through background checks for armed endorsements.
Scope change
The bill's scope was reduced by eliminating the licensing requirement for private security firms and guards, shifting from a licensing-based regulatory model to a more streamlined approach.
REQUIREMENT
Eliminated the license requirement for private security firms and private security guards.
Maintained fingerprint-based background check requirements specifically for armed endorsements.
DEFINITION
Clarified definitions for electronic security firms, private security guards, and security alarm installers to improve regulatory clarity.
TECHNICAL
Updated statutory references from 'MCA' to '37-60-101, MCA' for improved legal citation accuracy.
Floor votes · Senate Feb 13, 2025 · House Mar 31, 2025
How they voted
42–8
Passed
Total votes 50
Feb 13, 2025
D
Democratic18
55% Yea
R
Republican32
100% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea
All Nay
Mixed
No data
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
38
Key actions
9
Committee
6
Apr 17, 2025
Signed into law
(S) Signed by Governor
upper
Apr 8, 2025
Lower · Passed
(H) Signed by Speaker
lower
Apr 7, 2025
Upper · Passed
(S) Signed by President
upper
Mar 31, 2025
House · Passed
House Vote: pass (57-42-1)
house
Mar 20, 2025
Lower · Passed
(H) Committee Report - (H) Business and Labor
lower
Mar 19, 2025
Lower · Passed
(H) Committee Executive Action - (H) Business and Labor
lower
Feb 14, 2025
Committee
(H) Referred to Committee - (H) Business and Labor
lower
Feb 13, 2025
Senate · Passed
Senate Vote: pass (42-8)
senate
Feb 7, 2025
Upper · Passed
(S) Committee Report - (S) Business, Labor and Economic Affairs
upper
Feb 7, 2025
Upper · Passed
(S) Committee Executive Action - (S) Business, Labor and Economic Affairs
upper
Jan 22, 2025
Committee
(S) Referred to Committee - (S) Business, Labor and Economic Affairs
upper
Jan 21, 2025
Introduced
(S) Introduced
upper
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Jeremy Trebas
RRepublican
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