Bill to modernize security guard recertification wins industry support; state police implementation costs noted

Senator Waldstreicher told the committee SB 365 corrects statutory language left over from paper-based recertification and aligns security-guard renewals with other State Police certifications. The sponsor said the bill simplifies renewals, allows online filing up to the day a certificate expires and eliminates late fees that previously could reach $150.

John Pica and Steve Amate of the National Association of Security Companies (NASCO) testified that NASCO worked closely with the Maryland State Police on the bill and asked for a favorable report. "We worked with the state police on this bill, and it really modernizes the process for recertification of a security guard certificate or license," Pica said.

Committee members questioned a $100,000 fiscal note tied to the State Police's implementation costs. The sponsor said MSP expects implementation costs to be short-term and cost-neutral over time, because changes to renewal timing shift some receipts but do not reduce long-term revenue.

The committee discussed operational details including required notification timing (the bill requires MSP to send notices 90, 60 and 30 days before expiration), training consequences for lapses (missing a renewal can trigger an initial 12-hour training requirement versus an 8-hour recurring class), and the scope of affected security categories. Witnesses said the bill reduces administrative burdens and confusion created by paper-era language.

The hearing ended with no recorded vote; sponsors and industry representatives said they hoped for a favorable report from the committee.