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SB 1864

Private Protective Services - As enacted, adds stalking to the crimes for which an individual who has been convicted must have completed serving the individual's sentence or court-ordered probation at least five years prior to applying for a registration card to perform the duties of a security guard or officer; makes other changes related to security guards and officers. - Amends TCA Title 62, Chapter 35.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026)

Tennessee SB 1864/HB 2528 tightens private security licensing by expanding disqualifications, adding stalking/firearm prohibitions, and increasing training/notice requirements for

Pub. Ch. 836
#privateprotectiveservices
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Bill Summary · SB 1864

Summary of Bill SB 1864 / HB 2528 (Tennessee, 114th General Assembly)

Purpose and intent

SB 1864, as introduced and amended, amends the Private Protective Services Licensing and Regulatory Act (Title 62, Chapter 35) to update licensing/registration requirements for private security personnel, expand background disqualification grounds, clarify exemptions from registration, adjust training provisions, and streamline certain administrative procedures. The bill also adds stalking as a crime that requires a waiting period before applying for registration, and it creates new training-review provisions and fee authority for the Department of Commerce and Insurance (DCI).

Key provisions and changes

1) Exemption from license/registration for certain reserve/auxiliary personnel

  • Adds an exemption from mandatory registration with DCI for:
    • reserve officers/deputies, part-time officers/deputies, or auxiliary officers/deputies
    • if they meet all training requirements established in § 62-35-118 for their role/location
    • and complete biannual refresher training required by § 62-35-122
  • If such an exempt individual has not completed the required training or biennial refresher in the immediately preceding two years, they may not provide security services under this exemption until training is completed.

2) Stalking added to prohibitions affecting eligibility

  • Adds stalking to the offenses for which an applicant must have completed serving the sentence or court-ordered probation at least five years prior to applying for a security guard/officer registration.

3) Expanded disqualifications for licensing/registration

  • Not be on an abuse registry in Tennessee or another state; if on such registry, disqualified from obtaining any license or registration listed in this chapter for as long as the individual remains on the registry.
  • Not have an order of protection, bond condition, conviction, or any other firearm prohibition that would prevent possession of a firearm; if prohibited, disqualified from holding an armed security guard/officer registration for as long as the prohibition applies.

4) Training and exemptions for sworn officers and other personnel

  • Exempts sworn peace officers certified by POST from certain registration training requirements.
  • Exempts state/local correctional officers or jailers from some training requirements if specifications are met (basic training and annual refresher/in-service training).

5) Training review and possible credentialing flexibility

  • Creates a mechanism for individuals to submit training/continuing education to be reviewed and approved by the commissioner; allows the commissioner to set a fee for review.

6) Changes to training requirements and timelines

  • Revisions to training subsection references and added flexibility for certain categories of personnel (as noted above).
  • Adds new subsection to align ongoing training with exemptions for specific categories (e.g., sworn officers, correctional officers).

7) Reporting and notice requirements

  • Requires security guards/officers, licensees, and proprietary security organizations to provide written notice within 10 days of:
    • arrest or citation for offenses listed in § 62-35-117
    • conviction for offenses listed in § 62-35-117
    • any circumstance impacting an armed guard/officer’s ability to carry a firearm (with documentation)

8) Renewal and registration term updates

  • Adds a new subsection stating that a proprietary security organization registration or renewal expires two years from issuance.

9) Administrative and regulatory housekeeping

  • Deletes or revises several sections to streamline language and remove outdated provisions.
  • Allows municipalities/counties to regulate but not impose licenses for certain activities, while authorizing bona fide business taxes/regulations for street patrol services.
  • Repeals or relocates certain sections and updates guard/officer impersonation prohibitions (e.g., preventing the impression of law enforcement status).

Who would be affected

  • Private security guards and officers, both armed and unarmed
  • Reserve/part-time/auxiliary security personnel
  • Licensees and proprietary security organizations operating in Tennessee
  • Sworn peace officers, state/local correctional officers, and jailers who meet specified training criteria
  • Individuals with criminal histories involving stalking or abuse registries, or firearm prohibitions (these groups face added disqualifications)
  • Training providers seeking DCI-approved courses

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Effective date: Upon becoming law.
  • Registration/renewal: Proprietary security organization registrations renew every two years.
  • Training review: Commissioner may review and approve external training/continuing education, potentially with a fee.
  • Notice timelines: Arrests, citations, or convictions must be reported within 10 days of the event.

Fiscal and policy impact (as analyzed in supporting materials)

  • Potential decrease in BDLS revenue from reduced renewals by reserve/part-time/auxiliary officers who are exempt from registration.
  • Estimated revenue impact: approximately $26,690 decrease in renewal fees in FY26-27, with ongoing declines in subsequent years as eligibility changes take effect.
  • Training/approval processes may generate new revenue via fee-for-review, though exact amounts depend on future actions of the DCI.
  • Overall, the bill is not expected to have a significant impact on the number of licenses issued; rather, it shifts exemptions and imposes added disqualifications and training requirements.

Note

The bill underwent several updates and consolidates numerous provisions across sections 62-35-103, 62-35-117, 62-35-118, 62-35-120, 62-35-122, 62-35-123, 62-35-124, 62-35-131, 62-35-133, 62-35-134, 62-35-141, and introduces new sections such as 62-35-137. It reflects a comprehensive tightening of qualifications, disclosures, and regulatory oversight for private protective services in Tennessee.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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