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June 21, 2023

ASSIST Celebrates Major Victories as Texas Legislature Wraps Up 88th Regular Session

Author: ASSIST

In a session filled with intense battles and hard-fought legislative debates, ASSIST emerges triumphant as the lone advocate for the private security profession at the Texas State Capitol. Celebrating a string of significant victories, ASSIST proved its unwavering commitment to advancing legislation beneficial to its members and blocking bills that posed potential threats.

One of the most arduous fights centered around enabling public schools to contract armed private security personnel for the protection of children. ASSIST tirelessly pushed to eliminate outdated language in state law that prohibited non-peace officer security personnel from being armed while safeguarding Texas public schools.

Section 37.081 of the Education Code stood as a roadblock, stating that “if a Board of trustees authorizes a person employed as security personnel to carry a weapon, the person must be a commissioned peace officer.” This problematic provision not only hindered the presence of commissioned security officers but also rendered hundreds of armored car officers, who collected lunch money while armed, in violation of state law.

Despite opposition from certain members of the School Police Chief’s Association and several police labor unions, ASSIST argued for equal treatment. The organization pointed out that recent changes in state law permitted School Marshals and School Guardians to carry weapons in schools, while commissioned security officers and armored car guards were excluded.

To address concerns and ensure optimal safety, ASSIST proposed that commissioned security officers undergo additional school safety training before qualifying to provide armed protection in schools.

During this session, two bills were introduced in the House and one in the Senate to grant private security professionals access to public schools. Sponsored by Mark Derazio (R-San Antonio), Abel Herrero (D-Robstown), and Chuy Hinojosa (D-McAllen), the bills were H.B. 3910, H.B. 4824, and S.B. 2058, respectively. Unfortunately, one bill was killed in committee, while the remaining two failed to secure a hearing.

Undeterred, ASSIST strategized and caught the opposition off guard by incorporating its language as amendments to H.B. 3 on the House floor. Tony Tinderholt (R-Arlington) and Harold Dutton (D-Houston) successfully introduced the amendments, leading to the bill’s passage in the House and preservation of ASSIST’s provisions.

The battle then shifted to the Senate, where opposition forces employed various tactics to remove ASSIST’s language. However, the Senators sided with ASSIST, recognizing the importance of providing schools with the option to contract private security. Senator Nichols (R-Jacksonville), the Senate sponsor, valiantly fought to retain the language within the bill.

Currently awaiting the Governor’s signature, House Bill 3, with the incorporated amendments, stands as a testament to ASSIST’s victory in this hard-fought battle.

Another significant bill that ASSIST championed was H.B. 3424, introduced by Representative Frederick Frasier (R-McKinney). This legislation aims to address security officer training schools that conducted 100% of Level III training, including handgun training, online. The original bill mandated that the 10 to 15 hours of gun training be conducted in person and added self-defense training to the requirements.

After revelations that the Allen Texas mall shooter worked as a commissioned security officer, the Senate amended the bill to include the Minnesota Multiphasic Inventory psychological test for commissioned officers. The bill, passed with the amendment, will take effect on September 1st, necessitating current commissioned officers to undergo the psychological test during their next renewal.

Furthermore, ASSIST actively opposed four bills during this session that sought to exempt all reserve law enforcement officers in Texas from the Private Security Act. While three of the bills were successfully halted on the Senate side, S.B. 357, introduced by Bob Hall (R-Edgewood), managed to pass the Senate, becoming the focus of ASSIST’s fight in the House. Fortunately, with the support of police unions, TALI, and TBFAA, ASSIST managed to defeat the bill in the House committee. This victory stands as a testament to ASSIST’s dedication and ongoing efforts in fighting against such measures.

While several other bills were either amended, passed, or blocked, the aforementioned victories remain the most significant. None of the unfavorable bills will become law, while the favorable ones will undoubtedly bring about positive changes.

Jeff Moore, President of ASSIST, expresses gratitude to the members who took the time to contact their legislators, urging them to vote in favor of ASSIST’s goals. Together, with the active involvement of its members, ASSIST celebrates yet another successful legislative session, cementing its position as a key voice for the private security profession in Texas.

March 7, 2023

How You Do Training Matters!

Author: ASSIST

Over the last year the security profession in Texas has seen the emergence of schools offering Level 3 armed security officer training 100% online. They then refer the students to resources for the firearm certification for Level 3. The issue with this is a lack of quality training that can only be done in person with interaction with a qualified instructor. Additionally, it was never the intention of the State of Texas for self-defense, weapon retention, weapon handling and handcuffing techniques to be taught on-line. These topics should only be taught in person and in a classroom setting by the instructor.

Therefore, ASSIST recommends in class in-person training for all aspects of Level 3 and Level 4 training in the State of Texas. The legitimate schools in Texas see this lack of in-person training as harmful to the profession, and a liability. Reputable schools will not do the Firearm Certification for online only candidates. Many licensors have determined that they will not hire candidates that completed an online certification. This leaves the unsuspecting students in a a bad situation unable to gain employment. Alternatively, if the student finds a place that accepts their online training, they risk entering into a critical situation without the tools to succeed in this profession — the consequences could be harmful or deadly.

ASSIST is attempting to resolve this issue with legislative action during the current legislative session. ASSIST remains the voice advocating and working for professional security providers and officers in Texas. Please contact admin@assist.org to report any unlicensed or inappropriate schools, training activity, or if you have any questions.

ASSIST is a resource for security officers and private investigators that works in to resolve many legislative issues that our industry faces. You can improve your own business, earn CE credits, supplement insurance, health coverage and more by joining ASSIST. Visit us at www.assisttexas.org

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