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Proposal to give trained volunteer security teams civil immunity draws concern over oversight and militia risks
Summary
HB 478 would grant civil immunity to volunteer security team members who meet specified training and recordkeeping requirements and act during declared emergencies; supporters said the bill formalizes training, while opponents and an informational witness from the Department of Labor warned it could evade existing licensing, raise church/state questions and create transparency gaps.
Representative Nellie Nicholl opened HB 478, the 'Protect Our Protectors' bill, which would create a statutory framework for volunteer security teams to receive civil immunity when acting during a declared emergency or when asked to remove a disruptive person provided strict training, vetting and recordkeeping requirements are met.
Captain Allen Blair, a retired deputy sheriff and volunteer security trainer, said the bill provides a foundation for trained volunteers who can stand between violent incidents and arrival of law enforcement. He…
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