Committee fails to advance bill to allow access to expunged convictions for private security and private detective licensing

House File 2825, a bill to allow the Board that licenses private detectives and private security officers to access certain expunged conviction records as part of background checks, failed to advance out of the House Judiciary, Finance and Civil Law Committee on a roll call vote April 1.

The bill’s sponsor, Representative Hudson, moved that House File 2825 be “passed and placed on the general register.” Richard Hodgson, identified in testimony as the board chair and a public member of the licensing board, told the committee the change would align vetting of private security and private detective applicants with current scrutiny applied to public safety officers.

"We are not looking to expand, or reduce or restrict or any way, who is eligible to be licensed," Hodgson said, adding the board is seeking access only to convictions that the legislature already lists as disqualifying. He cited Minnesota Statute 326.3381, subdivision 3(a), as identifying offenses that can disqualify applicants.

Why it matters: supporters said private security officers and detectives have extensive access to people, facilities and sensitive materials and so warrant the same…