Bill speeds security guard licensing

COLUMBUS Security guards and private investigators would receive a single identification card they could take from job to job under a bill before Ohio lawmakers.

The proposed legislation would eliminate the current requirement that a new application, background check and fees be submitted each time a guard or investigator switches jobs.

The Senate Transportation, Commerce and Labor Committee planned to hear from supporters of the measure Wednesday.

The bill would also create standardized training and testing requirements for security guards and private investigators and makes licenses good for two years instead of one.

Bill sponsors Sen. Cecil Thomas, a North Avondale Democrat, and Sen. Frank LaRose, a Republican from Copley Township in northeastern Ohio, say security guards are often first on the scene of incidents and must be properly trained.