The House voted to concur in Senate Bill 198 after lawmakers debated whether applicants should be able to obtain a private security guard license before securing employment with a licensed security firm.

Representative Manus, bill carrier, said the change allows individuals to complete training and secure licensure before finding employment or operating as independent contractors: "We're allowing a person to go get that license, be ready, go find an employer," Manus said.

Opponents raised concerns about liability and insurance. In committee and on the floor Representative Baum and Representative Staffman warned that removing the employment requirement could create uninsured private contractors performing security work and expose clients and the public to liability. Staffman said the current process assures training, insurance and an employer's oversight.

Supporters countered that licensure still requires training, background checks and that firms remain subject to insurance and registration requirements. Representative Schomer, who spoke in support, framed the change as akin to other occupational licenses (for example, guide licenses) that allow people to obtain credentials before lining up an employer.

On the concurrence motion the House recorded 56 yes and 44 no. The transcript records the tally and multiple speakers debating safety and insurance requirements.

Why it matters: The change shifts how licensing for private security works in Montana and prompted discussion about consumer protection, training standards and whether the state or market should enforce insurance and oversight.

Votes and next steps: Senate Bill 198 was concurred in by the House; as a Senate bill the measure proceeds per standard inter‑chamber concurrence procedure.