Executive Summary:

Through its Detection Services Licensing Program, the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance has recently filed amendments to its rules governing Private Protective Services (Chapter 0780-05-02). These amendments, primarily based on a previous emergency rule and stemming from "Dallas' Law," mainly focus on training requirements and licensure fees for unarmed and armed security guards and certified trainers. The changes also address definitions, the status of sworn peace officers, application processes, authorized weapons, and investigative procedures.

Concurrently, the Tennessee General Assembly is considering two bills (HB 89 and SB 349) that propose amendments to the Private Protective Services Licensing and Regulatory Act. These bills could potentially impact the exemptions and regulations concerning peace officers and reserve/auxiliary law enforcement providing security services.

Rule 0780-05-02-.23 outlines increases in application and renewal fees for security guards and certified trainers.

Tennessee Private Protective Services Fee Changes Effective June 19, 2025

The new security guard fee increases outlined in Rule 0780-05-02-.232 are set to take effect on June 19, 2025.

Below is a summary of the updated fees:

Armed Security Guard:

- The application fee has increased from $75 to $100 plus any fingerprint processing fees

- The registration fee remains at $30.

Total Before $105, plus any fingerprint processing fees

Total After $130, plus any fingerprint processing fees

Armed Renewal

- The timely renewal fee has been raised from $60 to $85

- The late renewal penalty remains $20 monthly for up to three months.

Unarmed Security Guard:

- The application fee has increased from $50 to $75, plus any fingerprint processing fees

- The registration fee remains at $20

Total Before $70, plus any fingerprint processing fees

Total After $95, plus any fingerprint processing fees

Unarmed Renewal

- The timely renewal fee has increased from $50 to $70

- The late renewal penalty remains $20 monthly for up to three months.

Other Fees:

- The fee for a duplicate certification, license, or registration is $25

New Fees:

- The application fee for adding classifications (e.g., Dallas Law and Active Shooter) to a security guard registration card is a nonrefundable $25

New Application Process

- Additionally, the rule clarifies that individuals changing their registration status from unarmed to armed or vice versa must complete a new application and pay all applicable fees.

The rationale for these increases is to "maintain the statutorily required financial self-sufficiency of the Program."

Guard Roster Requirement:

"Any licensee, registrant, or other Individual. Partnership. company, corporation, or entity required to comply with T.C.A. § 62-35•142 shall maintain a copy of its guard roster and provide such guard roster upon request of the Commissioneror l1is/her designees. Failure to immediately furnish a copy of the requested roster is a violation of T.C.A. § 62-35-130(a)(11) and any other related provisions under the Act." (03-12-25.pdf, Rule 0780-05-02-.18(3))

Sources Reviewed:

"03-12-25.pdf" - Department of StateFiling for Rulemaking Hearing Rules, Detection Services Licensing Program,filed 03/21/2025, effective 06/19/2025.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/17sEgCu_cgunxh35ezIQ2QBqXFqEl04DQ/view?usp=sharing

"0780-05-02.20241222.pdf" - TennesseeDepartment of Commerce and Insurance, Division of Regulatory Boards, Chapter0780-05-02 Private Protective Services (current rules)."

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KXkzvo1gy0oWvsxhYzKkdMzF5-TbGywn/view?usp=sharing