A Bill for an Act
Page 1, Line 101Concerning the regulation of persons engaged in providing
Page 1, Line 102private security services.
Bill Summary
(Note: This summary applies to this bill as introduced and does not reflect any amendments that may be subsequently adopted. If this bill passes third reading in the house of introduction, a bill summary that applies to the reengrossed version of this bill will be available at http://leg.colorado.gov.)
The bill creates the state board of private security services (board) in the department of regulatory agencies (department) to regulate individuals and businesses that provide private security services. Starting August 1, 2026, to provide private security services in the state:
- An individual must obtain an event security officer or a commercial security officer license from the board; and
- A private security employer must obtain a registration from the board.
- Obtaining a fingerprint-based criminal history record check to verify that the applicant has not committed a disqualifying criminal offense;
- Completing specified training and successfully passing an assessment;
- Satisfying minimum age requirements; and
- For an employer registration, having the requisite level of experience and professional liability insurance and a policy for training newly licensed employees.
- Adopt rules;
- Approve training;
- Issue and renew licenses, weapon endorsements, and registrations and impose fees; and
- Conduct investigations and hearings and impose discipline for violations of the bill.
Additionally, only a licensed commercial security officer may be authorized to carry a firearm or nonlethal weapon and must first obtain a board-issued weapon endorsement to do so. Law enforcement officers who are certified by the peace officers standards and training board are exempt from the licensure and weapon endorsement requirements.
The bill establishes requirements and qualifications for obtaining a license, weapon endorsement, or registration, as applicable, including:
Pending the results of the required criminal history record check, the board may issue an applicant a provisional license under specified circumstances that allows an otherwise qualified applicant to perform private security services under direct supervision and in limited spaces. The bill allows a private security officer who is licensed in a municipality in the state to obtain a state-issued license, without additional training, if the board determines that the municipal licensing requirements are substantially equivalent to the requirements in the bill.
The board is authorized to:
The regulation of private security officers and private security employers is scheduled to repeal on September 1, 2030, and is subject to sunset review by the department before its repeal.
Page 2, Line 1Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Colorado:
Page 2, Line 2SECTION 1. In Colorado Revised Statutes, add article 162 to title 12 as follows:
Page 2, Line 3ARTICLE 162
Private Security Services
Page 3, Line 112-162-101. Short title.The short title of this article 162 is the "Private Security Services Act".
Page 3, Line 212-162-102. Legislative declaration - matter of statewide concern. (1) The general assembly finds that:
Page 3, Line 3(a) Private security officers engage in the business of
Page 3, Line 4protecting people and property and are increasingly used to
Page 3, Line 5provide security services in schools, in malls, banks, and other
Page 3, Line 6retail and commercial spaces, and at special events like concerts, races, and sporting events;
Page 3, Line 7(b) Only a limited number of municipalities in the state
Page 3, Line 8regulate private security officers within their jurisdictions,
Page 3, Line 9creating a patchwork of requirements and, in most areas of the state, no requirements at all;
Page 3, Line 10(c) To ensure public safety and minimize the risk of public
Page 3, Line 11harm, there is a need for a uniform, statewide regulatory
Page 3, Line 12structure to ensure that individuals who provide private
Page 3, Line 13security services, regardless of location in the state, are adequately trained and have been properly vetted; and
Page 3, Line 14(d) It is a matter of statewide concern to protect public
Page 3, Line 15safety by ensuring that individuals and entities that provide
Page 3, Line 16private security services or employ or contract private security
Page 3, Line 17officers have the skills, training, and background necessary to
Page 3, Line 18perform the work in a safe, competent manner that maintains peace and order and protects public safety.
Page 3, Line 1912-162-103. Applicability of common provisions.Articles 1
Page 3, Line 20and 20 of this title 12 apply, according to their terms, to this article 162.
Page 4, Line 112-162-104. Definitions - rules.As used in this article 162, unless the context otherwise requires:
Page 4, Line 2(1) "Board" means the state board of private security services, created in section 12-162-105.
Page 4, Line 3(2) "Commercial security officer" means an individual
Page 4, Line 4employed or engaged by a private security employer to perform
Page 4, Line 5commercial security services. "Commercial security officer"
Page 4, Line 6includes the owner, agent, or principal of a private security employer who also performs commercial security services.
Page 4, Line 7(3) (a) "Commercial security services" means at least one of the following activities:
Page 4, Line 8(I) Observing, investigating, or reporting unlawful activity;
Page 4, Line 9(II) Preventing or detecting theft or misappropriation of goods, money, or other items of value;
Page 4, Line 10(III) Protecting individuals or property from harm or misappropriation;
Page 4, Line 11(IV) Taking enforcement action by physically detaining individuals on or ejecting individuals from a premises; or
Page 4, Line 12(V) Controlling access to restricted premises, including
Page 4, Line 13screening individuals seeking access to a restricted premises and confiscating items not permitted in the restricted premises.
Page 4, Line 14(b) "Commercial security services" does not include cybersecurity, as defined in section 2-3-1701 (3).
Page 4, Line 15(4) "Conductive energy weapon" means a device capable of
Page 4, Line 16temporarily immobilizing a person by the infliction of an
Page 5, Line 1electrical charge. "Conductive energy weapon" includes a taser or stun gun.
Page 5, Line 2(5) "Event security officer" means an individual employed
Page 5, Line 3or engaged by a private security employer to perform event
Page 5, Line 4security services at a special event. "Event security officer"
Page 5, Line 5includes the owner, agent, or principal of a private security employer who also performs event security services.
Page 5, Line 6(6) "Event security services" means security services
Page 5, Line 7provided at a special event and includes any of the following activities:
Page 5, Line 8(a) Controlling access to a special event, including
Page 5, Line 9screening individuals seeking access to a special event and confiscating items not permitted in the special event;
Page 5, Line 10(b) Initiating or engaging in confrontational activities,
Page 5, Line 11such as physical contact with an individual or confiscation of property; or
Page 5, Line 12(c) Detaining individuals on or ejecting individuals from a premises.
Page 5, Line 13(7) "Firearm" means a handgun, as defined in section 18-12-101 (1)(e.5), or as further defined by the board by rule.
Page 5, Line 14(8) "Law enforcement officer" means a peace officer, as
Page 5, Line 15described in article 2.5 of title 16, who is certified by the peace
Page 5, Line 16officers standards and training board pursuant to part 3 of article 31 of title 24.
Page 5, Line 17(9) "Nonlethal weapon" means any of the following:
(a) A conductive energy weapon;
Page 5, Line 18(b) Pepper spray;
(c) A baton;
Page 6, Line 1(d) Handcuffs; or
(e) Any other device determined by the board by rule.
Page 6, Line 2(10) "Pepper spray" means a temporarily disabling aerosol
Page 6, Line 3that is composed partly of capsicum oleoresin and that causes
Page 6, Line 4irritation and blinding of the eyes and inflammation of the nose, throat, and skin.
Page 6, Line 5(11) "Private security employer" means any person that:
Page 6, Line 6(a) Provides or agrees to provide private security services on a contract basis to another person; or
Page 6, Line 7(b) Uses its own employees to provide private security services on the employer's premises.
Page 6, Line 8(12) "Private security officer" means a commercial security officer or an event security officer.
Page 6, Line 9(13) "Private security services" means commercial security services or event security services.
Page 6, Line 10(14) (a) "Special event" means any organized gathering of
Page 6, Line 11at least twenty-five individuals, whether on public or private
Page 6, Line 12property, who are assembled with or for a common purpose and for at least one hour.
Page 6, Line 13(b) "Special event" includes a festival, fair, carnival,
Page 6, Line 14concert, circus, parade, farmer's market, race, walking event,
Page 6, Line 15cycling event, sporting event, celebration, or other similar
Page 6, Line 16gathering at which a group of individuals is brought together to
Page 6, Line 17watch or participate and that operates for a temporary and limited period.
Page 6, Line 18(15) "Weapon endorsement" means a firearm endorsement
Page 7, Line 1or nonlethal weapon endorsement issued pursuant to section
Page 7, Line 212-162-108 that allows a licensed commercial security officer to
Page 7, Line 3carry a firearm or nonlethal weapon based on the type of weapon endorsement issued to the licensee.
Page 7, Line 412-162-105. State board of private security services - creation
Page 7, Line 5- membership - appointments - terms - repeal. (1) The state board
Page 7, Line 6of private security services is created in the division. The board
Page 7, Line 7is a type 1 entity, as defined in section 24-1-105, and exercises its
Page 7, Line 8respective powers and performs its duties and functions as specified in this article 162 under the department.
Page 7, Line 9(2) (a) The board consists of seven members appointed by the governor as follows:
Page 7, Line 10(I) Three representatives from the private security officer industry as follows:
Page 7, Line 11(A) One member who owns or operates a registered private
Page 7, Line 12security employer that provides private security services on a contract basis to another person;
Page 7, Line 13(B) One member who owns or operates a registered private
Page 7, Line 14security employer that uses its own employees to provide private security services on the employer's premises; and
Page 7, Line 15(C) One member who is a licensed private security officer and who does not work in a management position;
Page 7, Line 16(II) One member representing an organization that represents employees in the private security industry;
Page 7, Line 17(III) One member representing a municipality that has a
Page 7, Line 18population greater than seven hundred thousand people and
Page 7, Line 19that regulates security officers operating within the jurisdiction of the municipality;
Page 8, Line 1(IV) One member representing a municipality that has a
Page 8, Line 2population of no more than five hundred thousand people and
Page 8, Line 3that regulates security officers operating within the jurisdiction of the municipality; and
Page 8, Line 4(V) One member from the public at large who does not
Page 8, Line 5engage in the private security industry or provide private security services.
Page 8, Line 6(b) In addition, the governor shall appoint one
Page 8, Line 7representative from the following state department, agency, and unit to serve as ex officio, nonvoting members of the board:
Page 8, Line 8(I) The department;
(II) The Colorado state patrol; and
Page 8, Line 9(III) The peace officers standards and training unit in the department of law.
Page 8, Line 10(c) (I) For purposes of establishing the initial board,
Page 8, Line 11members appointed pursuant to subsection (2)(a)(I) of this section
Page 8, Line 12before August 1, 2026, need not satisfy the applicable
Page 8, Line 13registration or licensure requirement specified in subsection
Page 8, Line 14(2)(a) of this section to be appointed but must obtain the required
Page 8, Line 15registration or license no later than February 1, 2027. If a
Page 8, Line 16member initially appointed to the board before August 1, 2026,
Page 8, Line 17fails to obtain the required registration or license by February
Page 8, Line 181, 2027, the governor shall remove the member and appoint a new
Page 8, Line 19member who satisfies the applicable requirements for the appointment.
Page 8, Line 20(II) This subsection (2)(c) is repealed, effective February 1, 2028.
Page 9, Line 1(3) (a) Members of the board serve four-year terms of
Page 9, Line 2office; except that, to ensure staggered terms of office, the
Page 9, Line 3members appointed pursuant to subsections (2)(a)(II), (2)(a)(III),
Page 9, Line 4(2)(a)(IV), and (2)(a)(V) of this section serve initial two-year
Page 9, Line 5terms of office. Members of the board may serve no more than two consecutive full terms.
Page 9, Line 6(b) (I) Members of the board serve until their successors
Page 9, Line 7are appointed. The governor shall fill any vacancy in the
Page 9, Line 8membership of the board in the same manner as the original
Page 9, Line 9appointment, and if a vacancy occurs before the expiration of
Page 9, Line 10the member's term, the governor shall fill the vacancy for the remainder of the unexpired term.
Page 9, Line 11(II) The governor may remove a member of the board for misconduct, incompetence, or neglect of duty.
Page 9, Line 12(4) A majority of the board constitutes a quorum for the transaction of business.
Page 9, Line 13(5) The board shall elect a chair and vice-chair from its members.
Page 9, Line 14(6) The board shall meet at least quarterly and at such other times as it deems necessary.
Page 9, Line 1512-162-106. Board powers and duties. (1) In addition to any
Page 9, Line 16other powers and duties conferred or imposed on the board
Page 9, Line 17pursuant to this article 162 or article 20 of this title 12, the board is authorized and empowered to:
Page 9, Line 18(a) Adopt rules pursuant to section 12-20-204;
Page 9, Line 19(b) Approve training curricula and training programs consistent with section 12-162-110;
Page 10, Line 1(c) Issue and renew licenses, weapon endorsements, and registrations as provided in this article 162;
Page 10, Line 2(d) Establish fees for the issuance or renewal of a license,
Page 10, Line 3weapon endorsement, or registration in accordance with section 12-20-105;
Page 10, Line 4(e) Conduct investigations and hearings and gather
Page 10, Line 5evidence in accordance with sections 12-20-403 and 24-4-105 upon
Page 10, Line 6complaints concerning the conduct of private security officers or private security employers;
Page 10, Line 7(f) Refer for prosecution by the district attorney or the
Page 10, Line 8attorney general, or seek injunctive relief in accordance with
Page 10, Line 9section 12-20-406 against, any person that violates this article 162;
Page 10, Line 10(g) Take disciplinary or other action as authorized in
Page 10, Line 11section 12-20-404 against any licensee, registrant, or applicant that violates any provision of this article 162; or
Page 10, Line 12(h) Issue cease-and-desist orders under the circumstances
Page 10, Line 13and in accordance with the procedures specified in section 12-20-405.
Page 10, Line 1412-162-107. License required - endorsement required - registration required - exception. (1) On and after August 1, 2026:
Page 10, Line 15(a) An individual shall not offer or provide private
Page 10, Line 16security services or represent themself as a private security
Page 10, Line 17officer unless the individual has a license or provisional license issued by the board pursuant to this article 162;
Page 10, Line 18(b) An individual shall not carry a firearm or nonlethal
Page 11, Line 1weapon while providing or offering to provide private security services unless the individual:
Page 11, Line 2(I) Is licensed as a commercial security officer; and
Page 11, Line 3(II) (A) To carry a firearm, has obtained a firearm endorsement pursuant to section 12-162-108 (2)(d); or
Page 11, Line 4(B) To carry a nonlethal weapon, has obtained a
Page 11, Line 5nonlethal weapon endorsement pursuant to section 12-162-108(2)(d); and
Page 11, Line 6(c) A person shall not operate or represent themself as a
Page 11, Line 7private security employer, or permit or direct any person to
Page 11, Line 8perform private security services, unless the person has a
Page 11, Line 9registration as a private security employer issued by the board pursuant to this article 162.
Page 11, Line 10(2) This section does not apply to:
Page 11, Line 11(a) A law enforcement officer engaged in the performance
Page 11, Line 12of the officer's official duties or while engaged in off-duty employment; or
Page 11, Line 13(b) An individual issued a temporary permit pursuant to section 12-162-108 (5).
Page 11, Line 1412-162-108. Licensure - weapon endorsement - registration -
Page 11, Line 15application - qualifications - provisional license - temporary permit
Page 11, Line 16- issuance - renewal and reinstatement - rules. (1) Application.
Page 11, Line 17(a) An applicant for a license, weapon endorsement, or
Page 11, Line 18registration under this article 162 shall submit an application
Page 11, Line 19to the board in the form and manner prescribed by the board and
Page 11, Line 20shall pay the fee determined by the board pursuant to section
Page 11, Line 2112-162-113.
Page 12, Line 1(b) (I) An individual applying for a license under this article 162 shall disclose whether:
Page 12, Line 2(A) Another jurisdiction has denied issuance of a private
Page 12, Line 3security officer license or other credential to the individual or
Page 12, Line 4has disciplined the individual for acts or omissions as a private security officer; or
Page 12, Line 5(B) The applicant has provided private security services in violation of this article 162.
Page 12, Line 6(II) If an applicant has been denied a license or other
Page 12, Line 7credential or been disciplined by another jurisdiction or has
Page 12, Line 8violated this article 162, the board may deny the application for
Page 12, Line 9a license. When determining whether an individual has violated this article 162, section 24-5-101 governs the board's actions.
Page 12, Line 10(2) Qualifications. (a) Each applicant for a license or
Page 12, Line 11weapon endorsement under this section shall obtain a criminal
Page 12, Line 12history record check in accordance with section 12-162-109 (1)
Page 12, Line 13and shall not have a disqualifying criminal history as specified
Page 12, Line 14in section 12-162-109 (2). For purposes of an applicant for a
Page 12, Line 15private security employer registration, the owner or principal
Page 12, Line 16of the private security employer shall obtain a criminal history
Page 12, Line 17record check and shall not have a disqualifying criminal history.
Page 12, Line 18(b) Event security officer license.In addition to satisfying
Page 12, Line 19the requirements of subsection (2)(a) of this section, to qualify
Page 12, Line 20for an event security officer license, an applicant shall provide proof to the board that the applicant:
Page 12, Line 21(I) Is at least eighteen years of age;
Page 13, Line 1(II) Has completed at least eight hours of event security
Page 13, Line 2officer training that satisfies the requirements specified in section 12-162-110 and that is approved by the board; and
Page 13, Line 3(III) Has taken and successfully passed, within the six
Page 13, Line 4months immediately preceding the date of the application, an
Page 13, Line 5assessment after completing the approved event security officer
Page 13, Line 6training. The board shall adopt rules specifying the minimum
Page 13, Line 7qualifying assessment score that constitutes successfully passing an assessment.
Page 13, Line 8(c) Commercial security officer license.In addition to
Page 13, Line 9satisfying the requirements of subsection (2)(a) of this section,
Page 13, Line 10to qualify for a commercial security officer license, an applicant shall provide proof to the board that the applicant:
Page 13, Line 11(I) Is at least eighteen years of age;
Page 13, Line 12(II) Has completed at least sixteen hours of commercial
Page 13, Line 13security officer training that satisfies the requirements
Page 13, Line 14specified in section 12-162-110 and that is approved by the board; and
Page 13, Line 15(III) Has taken and successfully passed, within the six
Page 13, Line 16months immediately preceding the date of the application, an
Page 13, Line 17assessment after completing the approved commercial security
Page 13, Line 18officer training. The board shall adopt rules specifying the
Page 13, Line 19minimum qualifying assessment score that constitutes successfully passing an assessment.
Page 13, Line 20(d) Weapon endorsement. (I) In addition to satisfying the
Page 13, Line 21requirements of subsections (2)(a) and (2)(c) of this section, to
Page 13, Line 22qualify for a weapon endorsement, an applicant for a weapon
Page 14, Line 1endorsement must hold a current, unrestricted commercial
Page 14, Line 2security officer license and, notwithstanding subsection (2)(c)(I) of this section, must be at least twenty-one years of age.
Page 14, Line 3(II) Firearm endorsement.To qualify for a firearm
Page 14, Line 4endorsement that allows a licensed commercial security officer
Page 14, Line 5to carry a firearm while providing commercial security services, an applicant must provide proof to the board that the applicant:
Page 14, Line 6(A) Has completed at least sixteen hours of firearm
Page 14, Line 7safety and familiarity training that satisfies the requirements
Page 14, Line 8specified in section 12-162-110 (3)(c) and that is approved by the board; and
Page 14, Line 9(B) Has taken and successfully passed, within the six
Page 14, Line 10months immediately preceding the date of the application, an
Page 14, Line 11assessment, including a range assessment, after completing the
Page 14, Line 12approved firearm safety and familiarity training. The board
Page 14, Line 13shall adopt rules specifying the minimum qualifying assessment score that constitutes successfully passing an assessment.
Page 14, Line 14(III) Nonlethal weapon endorsement.To qualify for a
Page 14, Line 15nonlethal weapon endorsement that allows a licensed
Page 14, Line 16commercial security officer to carry a nonlethal weapon while
Page 14, Line 17providing commercial security services, an applicant must provide proof to the board that the applicant:
Page 14, Line 18(A) Has completed at least six hours of nonlethal weapon
Page 14, Line 19safety and familiarity training that satisfies the requirements
Page 14, Line 20specified in section 12-162-110 (3)(d) and that is approved by the board; and
Page 14, Line 21(B) Has taken and successfully passed, within the six
Page 15, Line 1months immediately preceding the date of the application, an
Page 15, Line 2assessment after completing the approved nonlethal weapon
Page 15, Line 3safety and familiarity training. The board shall adopt rules
Page 15, Line 4specifying the minimum qualifying assessment score that constitutes successfully passing an assessment.
Page 15, Line 5(e) Private security employer registration.In addition to
Page 15, Line 6satisfying the requirements of subsection (2)(a) of this section,
Page 15, Line 7to qualify for a private security employer registration, an applicant shall provide proof to the board that:
Page 15, Line 8(I) The applicant's owner or principal has at least five
Page 15, Line 9years of experience in private security management, as
Page 15, Line 10determined by the board by rule, or at least two years of experience as a licensed private security officer;
Page 15, Line 11(II) The applicant has and maintains professional liability
Page 15, Line 12insurance that satisfies the requirements of section 12-162-112; and
Page 15, Line 13(III) The applicant has, maintains, and complies with a
Page 15, Line 14policy for providing onboarding training to any private security
Page 15, Line 15officer who is hired by the applicant within six months after the
Page 15, Line 16date the private security officer obtains a license from the
Page 15, Line 17board pursuant to this section, which training must include
Page 15, Line 18initially assigning such private security officer to work in a
Page 15, Line 19team setting with more experienced licensed private security officers.
Page 15, Line 20(3) Security officers licensed by municipalities.The board
Page 15, Line 21shall adopt rules authorizing the issuance of a license described
Page 15, Line 22in this section to an applicant who, at the time of application
Page 16, Line 1under this section, holds a current private security officer
Page 16, Line 2license in good standing that was issued by a municipality in this
Page 16, Line 3state before August 1, 2026, without requiring the applicant to
Page 16, Line 4obtain additional or repeat training, so long as the board
Page 16, Line 5determines that the requirements and qualifications for
Page 16, Line 6licensure by the municipality are substantially equivalent to the requirements and qualifications specified in this section.
Page 16, Line 7(4) Issuance of license, weapon endorsement, or registration
Page 16, Line 8- provisional license - identification card. (a) Except as provided in
Page 16, Line 9subsection (4)(b) of this section, upon determining that an
Page 16, Line 10applicant satisfies the requirements of this section for a license,
Page 16, Line 11weapon endorsement, or registration, the board shall issue to
Page 16, Line 12the applicant the particular license, weapon endorsement, or
Page 16, Line 13registration for which the applicant applied and is determined to
Page 16, Line 14be qualified. The board is not required to issue a license, weapon
Page 16, Line 15endorsement, or registration if the applicant is subject to
Page 16, Line 16discipline pursuant to this article 162. The board shall issue and
Page 16, Line 17renew licenses, weapon endorsements, and registrations under
Page 16, Line 18this article 162 for a period of two years unless otherwise determined by the director.
Page 16, Line 19(b) (I) After submitting an application to the board and
Page 16, Line 20while a criminal history record check required by subsection
Page 16, Line 21(2)(a) of this section is pending, the board may issue a provisional
Page 16, Line 22license to the applicant that allows the applicant to perform
Page 16, Line 23the duties of a commercial security officer or event security officer, as applicable, if:
Page 16, Line 24(A) The private security employer that employs the
Page 17, Line 1applicant has conducted, or has had a consumer reporting
Page 17, Line 2agency regulated under the federal "Fair Credit Reporting
Page 17, Line 3Act", 15 U.S.C. sec. 1681 et seq., conduct, a state and national
Page 17, Line 4criminal history record check and determines the applicant does
Page 17, Line 5not have a disqualifying criminal history as specified in section 12-162-109 (2);
Page 17, Line 6(B) For an event security officer license, the applicant
Page 17, Line 7satisfies the requirements of subsection (2)(b) of this section; for
Page 17, Line 8a commercial security officer license, the applicant satisfies the
Page 17, Line 9requirements of subsection (2)(c) of this section; or for a private
Page 17, Line 10security officer license applicant described in subsection (3) of
Page 17, Line 11this section, the board has determined that the requirements
Page 17, Line 12and qualifications for the municipal license are substantially
Page 17, Line 13equivalent to the requirements and qualifications in this section;
Page 17, Line 14(C) The applicant performs the duties of a private security
Page 17, Line 15officer under the direct, on-site supervision of a licensed private
Page 17, Line 16security officer who has at least one year of experience as a private security officer; and
Page 17, Line 17(D) The applicant has not had a license or other
Page 17, Line 18credential as a law enforcement officer or private security
Page 17, Line 19officer suspended, revoked, or denied pursuant to this article
Page 17, Line 20162 or under any other laws of this state or of any other jurisdiction.
Page 17, Line 21(II) An applicant who receives a provisional license
Page 17, Line 22pursuant to this subsection (4)(b) shall not perform private
Page 17, Line 23security officer services at a public or private preschool,
Page 18, Line 1elementary school, or secondary school or a facility licensed
Page 18, Line 2and used exclusively as a child care center, as defined in section 26.5-5-303 (3).
Page 18, Line 3(III) After receiving the results of the criminal history
Page 18, Line 4record check, the board shall determine whether an applicant
Page 18, Line 5to whom the board issued a provisional license satisfies the
Page 18, Line 6requirements of subsection (2) of this section. Upon determining
Page 18, Line 7that the provisional licensee satisfies the requirements for a
Page 18, Line 8license and does not have a disqualifying criminal history as
Page 18, Line 9specified in section 12-162-109 (2), the board shall cancel the
Page 18, Line 10provisional license and issue the appropriate license to the
Page 18, Line 11applicant. If the board determines that the provisional licensee
Page 18, Line 12has a disqualifying criminal history as specified in section
Page 18, Line 1312-162-109 (2), the board shall revoke the provisional license and deny the application for a private security officer license.
Page 18, Line 14(c) (I) In addition to issuing a license pursuant to
Page 18, Line 15subsection (4)(a) of this section or a provisional license pursuant
Page 18, Line 16to subsection (4)(b) of this section to an applicant for an event
Page 18, Line 17security officer or commercial security officer license, the
Page 18, Line 18board shall issue to the applicant a virtual identification card that includes, at a minimum, the following information:
Page 18, Line 19(A) The license type and license number;
(B) The expiration date of the license;
Page 18, Line 20(C) The name and a recent photograph of the licensee;
(D) The signature of the licensee and the board chair; and
Page 18, Line 21(E) If applicable, the type of weapon endorsement.
Page 18, Line 22(II) The licensee shall be able to access the virtual
Page 19, Line 1identification card at all times when the licensee is performing
Page 19, Line 2private security services and shall display the virtual
Page 19, Line 3identification card to law enforcement or a local government official upon request.
Page 19, Line 4(5) Temporary permit. (a) The board may issue a temporary
Page 19, Line 5permit authorizing an individual who is licensed or otherwise
Page 19, Line 6credentialed to provide private security services in another
Page 19, Line 7jurisdiction to provide private security services in this state on a temporary basis if:
Page 19, Line 8(I) The individual presents proof satisfactory to the
Page 19, Line 9board that, at the time of application for a temporary permit,
Page 19, Line 10the individual possesses credentials and qualifications that are
Page 19, Line 11substantially equivalent to requirements for licensure under this article 162;
Page 19, Line 12(II) The individual is secured through a registered private security employer; and
Page 19, Line 13(III) The governor has declared a state of emergency or
Page 19, Line 14a major special event, such as a music festival or large
Page 19, Line 15convention, is being held in the state and security services from
Page 19, Line 16state-licensed private security officers are inadequate to meet
Page 19, Line 17the needs for security services for the declared emergency or at the event.
Page 19, Line 18(b) A temporary permit is valid for a period determined necessary by the board and may not be renewed.
Page 19, Line 19(6) Renewal and reinstatement.All licenses, weapon
Page 19, Line 20endorsements, and registrations issued pursuant to this article
Page 19, Line 21162 are subject to the renewal, expiration, reinstatement, and
Page 20, Line 1delinquency fee provisions specified in section 12-20-202 (1) and
Page 20, Line 2(2). Any person whose license, weapon endorsement, or
Page 20, Line 3registration has expired is subject to the penalties provided in this article 162 or in section 12-20-202 (1).
Page 20, Line 412-162-109. Criminal history record check - disqualifying
Page 20, Line 5criminal history or violations of law. (1) (a) An applicant for a new
Page 20, Line 6or renewal license, weapon endorsement, or registration
Page 20, Line 7pursuant to this article 162 shall submit to a fingerprint-based
Page 20, Line 8criminal history record check. The applicant must pay the costs
Page 20, Line 9associated with the fingerprint-based criminal history record check.
Page 20, Line 10(b) (I) After submitting an application for a license,
Page 20, Line 11weapon endorsement, or registration, the applicant shall have
Page 20, Line 12the applicant's fingerprints taken by a local law enforcement
Page 20, Line 13agency or any third party approved by the Colorado bureau of
Page 20, Line 14investigation for the purpose of obtaining a fingerprint-based
Page 20, Line 15criminal history record check. The applicant shall authorize
Page 20, Line 16the entity taking the applicant's fingerprints to submit, and the
Page 20, Line 17entity shall submit, the complete set of the applicant's
Page 20, Line 18fingerprints to the Colorado bureau of investigation for the
Page 20, Line 19purpose of conducting a fingerprint-based criminal history record check.
Page 20, Line 20(II) If an approved third party takes the applicant's
Page 20, Line 21fingerprints, the fingerprints may be electronically captured
Page 20, Line 22using Colorado bureau of investigation-approved livescan
Page 20, Line 23equipment. Third-party vendors shall not keep the applicant's
Page 20, Line 24information for more than thirty days.
Page 21, Line 1(c) The Colorado bureau of investigation shall use the
Page 21, Line 2applicant's fingerprints to conduct a criminal history record
Page 21, Line 3check using the bureau's records. The Colorado bureau of
Page 21, Line 4investigation shall also forward the fingerprints to the federal
Page 21, Line 5bureau of investigation for the purpose of conducting a
Page 21, Line 6fingerprint-based criminal history record check. The Colorado
Page 21, Line 7bureau of investigation, applicant, board, and entity taking
Page 21, Line 8fingerprints shall comply with the federal bureau of
Page 21, Line 9investigation's requirements to conduct a criminal history record check.
Page 21, Line 10(d) The Colorado bureau of investigation shall return
Page 21, Line 11the results of its criminal history record check to the board,
Page 21, Line 12and the board is authorized to receive the results of the federal
Page 21, Line 13bureau of investigation's criminal history record check. The
Page 21, Line 14board shall use the information resulting from the criminal
Page 21, Line 15history record check to investigate and determine whether an
Page 21, Line 16applicant is qualified to hold a license, weapon endorsement, or registration pursuant to this article 162.
Page 21, Line 17(e) If the federal bureau of investigation is unable to
Page 21, Line 18complete a fingerprint-based criminal history record check of
Page 21, Line 19an applicant, the Colorado bureau of investigation shall inform
Page 21, Line 20the board, and the board may conduct a criminal history record
Page 21, Line 21check of the person using the Colorado bureau of investigation's
Page 21, Line 22records as a substitute for the fingerprint-based criminal history record check required in this section.
Page 21, Line 23(f) When the results of a criminal history record check of
Page 21, Line 24an applicant performed pursuant to this section reveal a record
Page 22, Line 1of arrest without a disposition, the board shall require the
Page 22, Line 2applicant to submit to a name-based judicial record check, as defined in section 22-2-119.3 (6)(d).
Page 22, Line 3(2) Subject to section 24-5-101, a licensee, a registrant, or
Page 22, Line 4an applicant for a license, weapon endorsement, or registration
Page 22, Line 5under this article 162 has a disqualifying criminal history if the
Page 22, Line 6licensee, registrant, or applicant has been convicted of, plead
Page 22, Line 7guilty to, plead nolo contendere to, or received a deferred sentence for:
Page 22, Line 8(a) A felony committed in the course of and related to providing private security services;
Page 22, Line 9(b) A felony committed in the course of and related to
Page 22, Line 10being an employee of or being an agent of a private security employer;
Page 22, Line 11(c) A felony listed in article 3 or 4 of title 18; or
Page 22, Line 12(d) A violation of a statute of another state if the
Page 22, Line 13violation is substantially similar to a violation listed in subsection (2)(a), (2)(b), or (2)(c) of this section.
Page 22, Line 1412-162-110. Training programs - board approval - curriculum
Page 22, Line 15requirements. (1) (a) The board shall review and approve training
Page 22, Line 16programs for applicants seeking a license or weapon endorsement under this article 162.
Page 22, Line 17(b) A person that wishes to obtain board approval of a
Page 22, Line 18private security services training program described in this
Page 22, Line 19section that the person offers must submit the training program curriculum to the board for its review and approval.
Page 22, Line 20(2) At a minimum, each training program must:
Page 23, Line 1(a) Provide in-person, classroom training and online training courses; and
Page 23, Line 2(b) Ensure that the individuals who deliver the classroom training have:
Page 23, Line 3(I) At least five years of experience in private security
Page 23, Line 4management or a degree in education, criminal justice, or other
Page 23, Line 5relevant degree, as determined by the board, from an accredited college or university; and
Page 23, Line 6(II) At least two years of experience training in the private security services industry.
Page 23, Line 7(3) In addition to the requirements specified in subsection (2) of this section, to be approved by the board:
Page 23, Line 8(a) An event security officer training program must include at least the following topics:
Page 23, Line 9(I) Customer service;
(II) Enforcing venue or event policies;
Page 23, Line 10(III) Event access control and physical security;
(IV) Alcohol management;
Page 23, Line 11(V) Crowd management;
(VI) Cultural sensitivity;
Page 23, Line 12(VII) De-escalation techniques and aggression management; and
Page 23, Line 13(VIII) Any additional topics required by the board;
Page 23, Line 14(b) A commercial security officer training program must include at least the following topics:
Page 23, Line 15(I) The role and duties of a security officer;
Page 23, Line 16(II) Applicable state laws on arrest and detention;
(III) Cultural sensitivity;
Page 24, Line 1(IV) Communication procedures and radio protocol;
(V) Access control and screening;
Page 24, Line 2(VI) Patrol techniques;
Page 24, Line 3(VII) The basics of writing reports, including observation and documentation;
Page 24, Line 4(VIII) Interaction with public safety agencies and officers;
Page 24, Line 5(IX) De-escalation techniques and aggression management;
Page 24, Line 6(X) Use of force;
Page 24, Line 7(XI) Emergency response procedures, including basic life-saving response procedures; and
Page 24, Line 8(XII) Any additional topics required by the board;
Page 24, Line 9(c) A firearm safety and familiarity training program must include at least the following topics:
Page 24, Line 10(I) Criminal procedure law;
(II) Moral and legal aspects of firearm use;
Page 24, Line 11(III) Use of physical and deadly force;
Page 24, Line 12(IV) State and local laws, rules, codes, and ordinances relating to firearms and the use of force;
Page 24, Line 13(V) Firearm safety, nomenclature, operation, and maintenance;
Page 24, Line 14(VI) Emergency response procedures, including addressing medical needs;
Page 24, Line 15(VII) Firearm handling;
Page 24, Line 16(VIII) Marksmanship fundamentals;
Page 25, Line 1(IX) Range instruction, qualification, and examination; and
Page 25, Line 2(X) Any additional topics required by the board; and
Page 25, Line 3(d) A nonlethal weapon safety and familiarity training program must include at least the following topics:
Page 25, Line 4(I) Moral and legal aspects of nonlethal weapon use;
(II) Use of physical force and less lethal force;
Page 25, Line 5(III) State and local laws, rules, codes, and ordinances
Page 25, Line 6relating to deployment and tactical fundamentals involving nonlethal weapons and the use of force;
Page 25, Line 7(IV) Nonlethal weapon safety, nomenclature, operation, and maintenance;
Page 25, Line 8(V) Emergency response procedures, including addressing medical needs; and
Page 25, Line 9(VI) Proper nonlethal weapon handling and use fundamentals.
Page 25, Line 1012-162-111. Conditions of renewal - criminal history record
Page 25, Line 11check - continuing education - rules. (1) As a condition of
Page 25, Line 12renewing, reactivating, or reinstating a private security officer license or weapon endorsement, an applicant shall:
Page 25, Line 13(a) Obtain a criminal history record check in accordance
Page 25, Line 14with section 12-162-109 (1) and shall not have a disqualifying criminal history as specified in section 12-162-109 (2); and
Page 25, Line 15(b) Satisfy the continuing education requirements specified in this section.
Page 25, Line 16(2) To renew, reactivate, or reinstate the following
Page 25, Line 17licenses and weapon endorsements, an applicant must submit to
Page 26, Line 1the board satisfactory evidence of completion of the required number of hours of the specified training approved by the board:
Page 26, Line 2(a) For an event security officer license, the applicant must complete four hours of event security officer training;
Page 26, Line 3(b) For a commercial security officer license, the
Page 26, Line 4applicant must complete eight hours of commercial security officer training;
Page 26, Line 5(c) For a firearm endorsement, the applicant must
Page 26, Line 6complete eight hours of firearm safety and familiarity training; and
Page 26, Line 7(d) For a nonlethal weapon endorsement, the applicant
Page 26, Line 8must complete three hours of nonlethal weapon safety and familiarity training.
Page 26, Line 9(3) In addition to the topics for training programs
Page 26, Line 10specified in section 12-162-110, the board may adopt, by rule,
Page 26, Line 11additional topics that may be included in continuing education programs required by this section.
Page 26, Line 1212-162-112. Professional liability insurance - required to
Page 26, Line 13maintain - minimum coverage limits.A private security employer
Page 26, Line 14registered pursuant to this article 162 shall obtain and
Page 26, Line 15maintain a professional liability insurance policy with liability limits of at least one million dollars.
Page 26, Line 1612-162-113. Fees.The board shall establish a schedule of
Page 26, Line 17reasonable fees for applications for a new or to renew a license,
Page 26, Line 18weapon endorsement, or registration, for inactive status, and
Page 26, Line 19for late fees. The fees shall be set, collected, and credited
Page 26, Line 20pursuant to section 12-20-105.
Page 27, Line 112-162-114. Grounds for disciplinary action. (1) The board
Page 27, Line 2shall investigate the activities of a licensee, registrant, or
Page 27, Line 3other person upon its own motion or upon the receipt of a
Page 27, Line 4written, signed complaint alleging grounds for disciplinary action under this article 162.
Page 27, Line 5(2) Grounds for disciplinary action include:
Page 27, Line 6(a) Fraud or a material misstatement of fact made in
Page 27, Line 7procuring or attempting to procure a license, weapon endorsement, or registration;
Page 27, Line 8(b) An act or omission that fails to meet the generally
Page 27, Line 9accepted standards of private security services and that endangers life, health, property, or the public welfare;
Page 27, Line 10(c) Violating or aiding or abetting in a violation of this
Page 27, Line 11article 162, an applicable provision of article 20 of this title 12,
Page 27, Line 12a rule adopted by the board under section 12-20-204 or this
Page 27, Line 13article 162, or an order of the board issued under this article 162;
Page 27, Line 14(d) Being convicted of or pleading nolo contendere to a
Page 27, Line 15felony in Colorado or to any crime outside Colorado that
Page 27, Line 16would constitute a felony in Colorado, if the felony or other
Page 27, Line 17crime concerns the provision of private security services. A
Page 27, Line 18certified copy of the judgment of a court of competent
Page 27, Line 19jurisdiction of a conviction or plea shall be presumptive
Page 27, Line 20evidence of the conviction or plea in any hearing under this
Page 27, Line 21article 162. The board is governed by sections 12-20-202 (5) and 24-5-101 when considering the conviction or plea.
Page 27, Line 22(e) Using false, deceptive, or misleading advertising;
Page 28, Line 1(f) Habitual or excessive use or abuse of alcohol or a
Page 28, Line 2habit-forming drug or habitual use of a controlled substance,
Page 28, Line 3as defined in section 18-18-102 (5), or other drug having similar
Page 28, Line 4effects, when the use or abuse renders the licensee unfit to provide private security services;
Page 28, Line 5(g) Use of a schedule I controlled substance, as defined in section 18-18-203;
Page 28, Line 6(h) Failure to report to the board a licensee or registrant
Page 28, Line 7known to have violated this article 162 or any board order or rule;
Page 28, Line 8(i) Failure of a private security employer to exercise
Page 28, Line 9adequate professional supervision of employees providing
Page 28, Line 10private security services pursuant to a contract between the private security employer and another person;
Page 28, Line 11(j) Performing services beyond the competence or training of a private security officer;
Page 28, Line 12(k) Selling, fraudulently obtaining, or fraudulently
Page 28, Line 13furnishing a license, weapon endorsement, or registration or renewal of a license, weapon endorsement, or registration;
Page 28, Line 14(l) Providing private security services or advertising,
Page 28, Line 15representing, or holding oneself out as a licensed private
Page 28, Line 16security officer unless the individual is licensed pursuant to
Page 28, Line 17this article 162 or is exempted from licensure pursuant to section 12-162-107 (2); or
Page 28, Line 18(m) For a private security employer regulated by this article 162, willfully disregarding or violating:
Page 28, Line 19(I) Any safety or labor law;
(II) Any health law;
Page 29, Line 1(III) Any workers' compensation insurance law;
Page 29, Line 2(IV) Any state or federal law governing withholdings
Page 29, Line 3from employee income, including income taxes, unemployment taxes, or social security taxes; or
Page 29, Line 4(V) Any reporting, notification, or filing law of this state or the federal government.
Page 29, Line 5(3) A disciplinary action in another state or jurisdiction
Page 29, Line 6taken on grounds that would constitute a violation under this
Page 29, Line 7article 162 is prima facie evidence of grounds for disciplinary action under this section.
Page 29, Line 812-162-115. Disciplinary actions by board - procedures - fines
Page 29, Line 9- rules. (1) (a) The board may take disciplinary or other action as
Page 29, Line 10authorized in section 12-20-404 if, after notice and hearing, the
Page 29, Line 11board determines that a licensee or registrant has committed any of the acts specified in section 12-162-114.
Page 29, Line 12(b) If the board decides to impose a fine, as authorized by
Page 29, Line 13section 12-20-404 (1)(c), against a licensee or registrant
Page 29, Line 14determined to have committed an act specified in section
Page 29, Line 1512-162-114, the fine must not exceed the amount specified by the board by rule. The board shall adopt a schedule of fines by rule.
Page 29, Line 16(2) The board may issue and send to a licensee or
Page 29, Line 17registrant, by certified mail, a written letter of admonition
Page 29, Line 18under the circumstances specified in and in accordance with section 12-20-404 (4).
Page 29, Line 19(3) The board may send a confidential letter of concern
Page 29, Line 20to a licensee or registrant under the circumstances specified in
Page 30, Line 1section 12-20-404 (5). Issuance of a confidential letter of concern shall not be construed to be discipline.
Page 30, Line 2(4) If the board determines that a licensee or registrant
Page 30, Line 3is subject to disciplinary action under this section, the board
Page 30, Line 4may, in lieu of or in addition to other discipline, require a
Page 30, Line 5licensee or registrant to take training courses. The board shall
Page 30, Line 6determine the training conditions to be imposed on the licensee
Page 30, Line 7or registrant, including the type and number of hours of
Page 30, Line 8training. All training courses are subject to approval by the
Page 30, Line 9board, and the licensee or registrant shall furnish proof of satisfactory completion of the required training.
Page 30, Line 10(5) Any disciplinary action taken by the board shall be in
Page 30, Line 11accordance with the provisions of section 12-20-403 and article 4 of title 24.
Page 30, Line 12(6) On its own motion or upon application after the
Page 30, Line 13imposition of discipline, the board may reconsider its prior action
Page 30, Line 14and reinstate a license, weapon endorsement, or registration,
Page 30, Line 15terminate suspension or probation, or reduce the severity of its prior disciplinary action.
Page 30, Line 1612-162-116. Unauthorized practice - penalties. (1) Any person
Page 30, Line 17who provides or offers or attempts to provide private security
Page 30, Line 18services without an active license or registration issued under
Page 30, Line 19this article 162 is subject to penalties pursuant to section 12-20-407 (1)(a).
Page 30, Line 20(2) A violation of this section may be prosecuted by the
Page 30, Line 21district attorney of the judicial district in which the offense
Page 30, Line 22was committed or by the attorney general of the state of
Page 31, Line 1Colorado in the name of the people of the state of Colorado. In
Page 31, Line 2such action, the court may issue an order, enter judgment, or issue a preliminary or final injunction.
Page 31, Line 312-162-117. Judicial review.Section 12-20-408 governs judicial review of a final action or order of the board.
Page 31, Line 412-162-118. Repeal of article - subject to review.This article
Page 31, Line 5162 is repealed, effective September 1, 2030. Before the repeal,
Page 31, Line 6the regulation of private security officers and private security
Page 31, Line 7employers by the board is scheduled for review in accordance with section 24-34-104.
Page 31, Line 8SECTION 2. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 24-34-104, add (31)(a)(XIV) as follows:
Page 31, Line 924-34-104. General assembly review of regulatory agencies
Page 31, Line 10and functions for repeal, continuation, or reestablishment - legislative
Page 31, Line 11declaration - repeal. (31) (a) The following agencies, functions, or both, are scheduled for repeal on September 1, 2030:
Page 31, Line 12(XIV) The regulation of private security officers and
Page 31, Line 13private security employers by the state board of private security services in accordance with article 162 of title 12.
Page 31, Line 14SECTION 3. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 12-20-202, add (3)(e)(VIII.5) as follows:
Page 31, Line 1512-20-202. Licenses, certifications, and registrations - renewal
Page 31, Line 16- reinstatement - fees - occupational credential portability program
Page 31, Line 17- exceptions for military personnel, spouses, gold star military
Page 31, Line 18spouses, and dependents - rules - consideration of criminal
Page 31, Line 19convictions or driver's history - executive director authority -
Page 31, Line 20definitions. (3) Occupational credential portability program -
Page 32, Line 1definitions. (e) Subsections (3)(a) to (3)(d) of this section do not apply to the following professions or occupations:
Page 32, Line 2(VIII.5) Private security officers and private security employers, regulated pursuant to article 162 of this title 12;
Page 32, Line 3SECTION 4. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 12-20-407, amend as it will become effective July 1, 2025, (1)(a)(IV) as follows:
Page 32, Line 412-20-407. Unauthorized practice of profession or occupation
Page 32, Line 5- penalties - exclusions. (1) (a) A person commits a class 2 misdemeanor and shall be punished as provided in section 18-1.3-501 if the person:
Page 32, Line 6(IV) Engages in or works at or offers or attempts to engage in or work at the business, trade, or calling of:
Page 32, Line 7(A) A residential, journeyworker, master, or apprentice plumber;
Page 32, Line 8a water conditioning contractor; a water conditioning installer; or a water
Page 32, Line 9conditioning principal without an active license, permit, or registration issued under article 155 of this title 12; or
Page 32, Line 10(B) A private security officer without an active license
Page 32, Line 11issued under article 162 of this title 12 or a private security
Page 32, Line 12employer without an active registration issued under article 162 of this title 12; or
Page 32, Line 13SECTION 5. Act subject to petition - effective date. This act
Page 32, Line 14takes effect at 12:01 a.m. on the day following the expiration of the
Page 32, Line 15ninety-day period after final adjournment of the general assembly; except
Page 32, Line 16that, if a referendum petition is filed pursuant to section 1 (3) of article V
Page 32, Line 17of the state constitution against this act or an item, section, or part of this
Page 32, Line 18act within such period, then the act, item, section, or part will not take
Page 32, Line 19effect unless approved by the people at the general election to be held in
Page 33, Line 1November 2026 and, in such case, will take effect on the date of the official declaration of the vote thereon by the governor.