House narrowly approves changes to private-investigator licensing, lowers apprentice age to 18

The Utah House on Feb. 28 passed Senate Bill 129, a package of revisions to private-investigator licensing that, among other changes, reduces certain hour requirements and lowers the minimum age for apprentices from 21 to 18. The measure passed 38–30 and will be returned to the Senate for consideration of the House amendments.

Representative Greene, who presented the bill, said the changes bring Utah closer to the national average and address workforce shortages in the private‑investigator field by shortening the pipeline to licensure. He described lengthy hour requirements and apprenticeship constraints that have reduced the number of people entering the profession.

Opponents raised concerns about public-safety and database access. “I’m concerned with the lowering that to 18,” Representative Perry said on the floor, citing law‑enforcement groups (chiefs, sheriffs, the attorney general’s office and statewide prosecutors’ associations) that had expressed opposition over access to sensitive records and the potential for misuse.

Supporters said the bill retains supervision requirements for apprentices and keeps restrictions on tasks that require higher clearance. Representative Greene noted existing state agencies (Department of Public Safety and the FBI/NCIC oversight) and argued the tiered training program and continued supervisory requirements provide safeguards.

The bill passed by the slim margin of 38–30; supporters said it will help reduce barriers to entering the profession, while critics said concerns raised by law‑enforcement organizations required closer review. The measure will move back to the Senate for further action.