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Utah House Keeps Advisory Board for Private Investigator Licensing After Failed Amendment; HB6 Passes
Summary
House Bill 6, which updates private investigator licensing and expands Department of Public Safety authority for apprentice investigators, passed after an amendment to remove an advisory/licensing board failed on the floor; final vote was 51 yes, 10 no.
House Bill 6, the Private Investigator Regulation Act update, cleared the Utah House floor after members debated whether to remove language establishing an advisory board.
Sponsor Representative Susan J. Cohen told the House the bill responds to implementation issues since the original act passed two years ago: it formalizes apprentice and registrant investigator licensing through the Department of Public Safety, closes a grandfather clause, and gives DPS authority to act against individuals practicing without licenses. Cohen said the changes are technical and intended to strengthen oversight.
A member moved to amend the bill by deleting language that created or retained the advisory/licensing board. Supporters of the amendment argued that licensing boards can become vehicles for self‑interest and that the state could license practitioners directly without board oversight. Opponents — including members who spoke in favor of keeping the board — said advisory boards bring professional expertise and cost‑free guidance that benefits regulatory outcomes.
After debate, the motion to amend failed on a recorded vote (24 yes, 35 no). Representative Cohen summarized the bill for final passage and the House recorded 51 yes votes and 10 no votes, sending HB6 to the Senate for consideration.
The floor debate focused on oversight and whether rulemaking authority should remain close to professionals in the field or centralized within the Department of Public Safety. Sponsor Cohen and several members emphasized that DPS will continue to administer licensing and that the bill does not transfer investigative licensing authority to unrelated entities.
