MontanaSB 19869th Legislature, Regular Session (2025)SenateWALLET

Generally revise professional occupation laws related to private security

Sponsored By: Jeremy Trebas (Republican)

Became Law

Professions and Occupations GenerallyProfessions and Occupations O-Z

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 5 mixed.

Armed roles for guards and investigators

The law lets private investigators and private security guards hold an armed endorsement to carry firearms on duty. They must meet training and reporting rules set in law and by the department. A private security firearms instructor is the person who teaches this firearms training. This applies starting July 1, 2025.

Who counts as a guard or investigator

The law explains who is a private investigator. It covers people paid to investigate crimes, find people or property, check backgrounds, or gather evidence for court. The law also defines a private security guard as someone hired by a private security firm to protect people or property or direct movement in public areas. People in these roles must follow licensing, training, and conduct rules. This applies starting July 1, 2025.

New definitions for alarm companies and installers

The law defines electronic security firms that sell, install, service, or maintain alarm systems that automatically contact a public safety agency. It defines security alarm installers who work for those firms. People whose main business is locksmithing are excluded from both groups. A security alarm system means equipment to detect intruders and crimes, not devices that only track temperature or humidity. These definitions apply starting July 1, 2025.

Which businesses are private security firms

The law defines an armed carrier service as a firm that transports valuables under armed guards. It also defines a private security firm as any business that offers guard services, armed guard services, or armed carrier services. These businesses must follow the chapter’s licensing and compliance rules. This applies starting July 1, 2025.

All changes start July 1, 2025

All changes in this act take effect July 1, 2025. New definitions and related rules start that day unless another date is set elsewhere.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Jeremy Trebas
Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

Shannon Maness
Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 195 • No: 101

Senate vote • 3/31/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 57 • No: 42

Senate vote • 3/29/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 53 • No: 44

Senate vote • 2/13/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 42 • No: 8

Senate vote • 2/12/2025