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Senate narrows scope of security licensing: ticket takers and ushers exempted in limited cases
Summary
After extended debate over public safety and training requirements, the Utah Senate passed SB71 to exempt ticket takers and ushers from licensed security status in narrow circumstances, allowing use of magnetometers and wands with trained backup; vote passed 19–5.
The Utah Senate debated and passed Senate Bill 71 on Feb. 17, which exempts ticket takers and ushers at venues from being classified as licensed security officers in strictly defined circumstances. Sponsors said the bill preserves venue operators’ ability to conduct bag checks to prevent alcohol and prohibited items without the cost of hiring fully licensed security personnel for every gate.
Senator Davis, the floor sponsor, said the exemption is narrow and intended to allow venues to use nonlicensed employees for basic bag checks and ticket-taking while reserving trained security officers for situations that require deeper intervention. "We're going to voluntarily ask all of our guests if they're carrying any of that contraband in," Davis said, describing on-site enforcement of venue policies.
Opponents raised concerns about background checks, use of specialized equipment and the public’s expectation of safety at large events. Senators pressed whether magnetometers, wands and other detectors could be used by nonlicensed personnel. Sponsors pointed to committee amendments that exempt certain nonlethal devices and standardized clothing from the definition of a security officer, enabling the use of magnetometer gates and wands with trained supervision.
The Senate adopted the bill after extended floor discussion and a roll-call vote; the clerk announced SB71 had received 19 yes votes, 5 nay votes, with 5 absent. The bill will be transmitted to the House for its further action.
