The Oregon Senate Committee on Judiciary convened on April 21, 2025, to discuss significant legislative matters, primarily focusing on House Bill 2183A. This bill aims to streamline the certification process for private security professionals by recognizing prior law enforcement experience and training.

House Bill 2183A mandates the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) to establish rules that allow individuals with previous law enforcement backgrounds to meet training requirements for private security certification. The bill received unanimous support in the House, passing with 51 votes in favor and none against. Proponents argue that this measure will enhance the professionalism within the private security sector by facilitating the transition of experienced law enforcement officers into private security roles.

Patrick Singh, representing the Professional Security Association of Oregon and the Oregon Coalition of Police and Sheriffs, emphasized the bill's goal of attracting qualified professionals into the private security field. He noted that the original proposal included provisions for an expedited training process for current and former police officers, which has since been refined through collaboration with DPSST to ensure alignment with existing policies.

Jennifer Howell, the legislative coordinator for DPSST, provided insights into the implementation of the bill. She explained that the agency would define the criteria for recognizing law enforcement experience through a rulemaking process. This includes determining eligibility requirements and ensuring that any prior certifications were in good standing. Howell highlighted that the bill would not compromise essential training standards, as all applicants would still need to complete refresher courses and pass necessary examinations.

Representative Jeff Helfrich, who introduced the bill, shared his extensive background in law enforcement and underscored the importance of acknowledging the training and experience of former officers. He clarified that the bill does not eliminate background checks or other critical assessments for private security professionals.

The committee concluded the public hearing on House Bill 2183A without any immediate concerns, indicating a positive reception to the proposed changes. The committee chair noted the importance of allowing DPSST to establish the necessary rules to implement the bill effectively.

In addition to House Bill 2183A, the committee planned to carry over discussions on House Bill 2461 to a future meeting, ensuring that all members could participate in the decision-making process.

Overall, the discussions during this meeting reflect a concerted effort to modernize the private security industry in Oregon, recognizing the value of experienced law enforcement personnel while maintaining rigorous standards for public safety. The anticipated rulemaking process will be crucial in determining how effectively these changes can be implemented.