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House narrows ban on off-duty officers acting as collection agents, allows security work
Summary
The House passed a second substitute to H.B. 253 clarifying that off-duty peace officers may perform private security work but cannot serve as compensated collection agents; sponsors said the change corrects an overly broad previous wording. Vote: 59-13.
The House adopted a second substitute to House Bill 253 clarifying restrictions on off-duty peace officers. The measure narrows current statutory language so that paid employment as a compensated collection agent is specifically prohibited, while permitting off-duty officers to perform security and other non-collection duties for private entities.
Representative Jorgensen (sponsor of the substitute) said the change is a "semantical difference" that captures the original intent: prohibit officers from being used as collection agents while allowing banks and businesses to hire off-duty officers as security to deter crime. Representative Pignanelli, who said the original problem was a broad definition that unintentionally outlawed routine security work, explained the substitute replaces the expansive term "compensated agent" with a focused ban on collection-agent activity.
Members from rural districts raised questions about sheriffs and constables who occasionally perform collection-related tasks; counsel clarified that unpaid official duties were not intended to be covered but paid collection roles would be. Supporters framed the bill as protecting civil liberties while allowing legitimate private security jobs. The second substitute passed the House with 59 votes in favor and 13 opposed and will be forwarded to the Senate.
Next steps: The bill proceeds to the Senate; sponsors indicated the language may be revisited in future sessions if needed.
