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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2013 - 2014
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | December 12, 2013 11:17 AM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Scott A. Petri and Rep. Daniel J. Deasy |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Establishes the State Board of Private Investigators, Security Professionals, and Fugitive Recovery Agents |
| The Commonwealth’s Private Detective Act of 1953, as evidenced by its title, is over a half-century-old. Individuals licensed under the Act provide private investigative services as well as conduct private security operations. The practice of both professions has changed dramatically since the passage of the Act. On a related note, the practice of fugitive recovery has been essentially unregulated in Pennsylvania. Free-lance individuals who engage in bail enforcement, commonly known as “bounty hunters”, are not governed by any licensing body. During the 2009-2010 session, HB 65 passed the house with a vote of 187-3. Based on that work, and the input from various interested parties at a hearing on the bill, in the near future I will be re-introducing former HB 65. The legislation will establish the State Board of Private Investigators, Security Professionals, and Fugitive Recovery Agents in the Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs within the Pennsylvania Department of State. This legislation, modeled after current licensing statutes, will offer a comprehensive system to regulate the conduct of all three professions. Among other things, the Board would be tasked with developing entrance examinations, rules of professional conduct and mandatory continuing education programs for private investigators, security professionals and fugitive recovery agents. The board would be responsible for disciplinary actions relating to inappropriate acts by licensed professionals. Finally, the Board would be a self-sustaining entity, funded by license fees and monetary penalties to cover the cost of the Board’s operation. If you have any questions on the legislation, or would like a copy of the language, please contact Lea Farrell at 787-9033 or lfarrell@pahousegop.com. |