HB 253-PRIVATE INVESTIGATORS/AGENCIES  4:15:33 PM CHAIR OLSON announced that the final order of business would be HOUSE BILL NO. 253, "An Act providing for the licensing and regulation of private investigators and private investigator agencies; and providing for an effective date." 4:15:40 PM REPRESENTATIVE JOHNSON moved to adopt the proposed committee substitute (CS) for HB 253, labeled 28-LS1012\N, Martin, 3/11/14, as the working document [Version N]. CHAIR OLSON objected for the purpose of discussion. 4:16:00 PM GINGER BLAISDELL, Staff, Representative Shelley Hughes, Alaska State Legislature, stated that HB 253 would create a new program to license private investigators. She explained that a few months ago a constituent brought information to Representative Hughes regarding the lack of professional requirements to become a private investigator in Alaska. Currently, an individual can become a private investigator by completing a one-page business license application, paying a $50 fee, and selecting the commercial business license code 561611 for investigative services. There are 139 active private investigator licensees in Alaska, including 30 licensees with Lower 48 mailing addresses and 109 in the state. She added that 42 other states have varying requirements to be licensed as a private investigator and HB 253 incorporates some of their provisions. 4:17:15 PM MS. BLAISDELL stated that HB 253 requires private investigators to obtain a professional license to become a private investigator. It creates a misdemeanor if a person practices as a private investigator without the license. The bill identifies a scope of practice, outlining education and experience necessary to qualify for two classes of licensure. She explained that for a class A license, the individual must be 21 years of age, have at least a high school diploma or higher education, and have 1,500 hours of work in investigative services. A class B license requires an individual be 18 years of age or older, hold a high school diploma or equivalent, and be employed by a private investigator. In addition, these individuals must provide fingerprints for a background check at the state and national levels. MS. BLAISDELL related that a person falsifying information on an application is subject to a class A misdemeanor. She advised that the Department of Commerce, Community & Economic Development (DCCED) shall issue a class A or B license to qualified individuals. She related that the bill includes prohibited practices, including wearing a uniform or presenting a badge that would cause a reasonable individual to believe that the private investigator has official law enforcement authority. Further, a private investigator cannot solicit business for an attorney, and exemptions are included for those who conduct investigations but are not private investigators. 4:18:50 PM MS. BLAISDELL reviewed the committee substitute, Version N, which removes a provision to require firearms so private investigators would not be granted authority to carry firearm. She related that fire investigators would also be exempt, and the proposed committee substitute also removes continuing education requirements since no one in the state is readily available to provide the instruction. Private investigators have expressed a willingness to pay for the cost for licensing fees and background checks. The primary concern for creating licensure for private investigators is to improve public safety for citizens. She explained that the people seeking private investigator services may be under duress or reaching out for help and may be vulnerable to unscrupulous investigators. For example, a person in need may be more willing to give out personal and private information to a professional who is presumed to have an association with a legal entity, such as a private investigator, and could be unwittingly taken advantage of during that time. 4:20:22 PM MS. BLAISDELL shared the story that highlighted the need for this bill. She explained that a family's daughter went missing, and the case became a high profile case in Alaska. The family was approached by a private investigator offering services to locate their daughter. It later came to light that the person was an unscrupulous private investigator who was a convicted sex offender in another state, had served many years in prison as a felon, and had a history of crimes committed in another state prior to moving to Alaska. She said it's time to protect Alaska's citizens by reviewing the individuals who are asking for a professional status to collect personal and private information so no others will prey on Alaskans in their time of need. 4:21:09 PM MS. BLAISDELL provided an analysis of Version N. Section 1 would add a new regulation of private investigators and establish a new chapter in law. Section 2 limits the practice of private investigating to those individuals licensed under chapter 85. She stated that Section 2 will also provide the scope of practice and identify the kinds of information that private investigators can collect and outlines the general requirements, such that the person may not have a misdemeanor or a felony in the prior 10 years and may not be convicted of a crime of dishonesty or sexual misconduct. The person may not have a dishonorable discharge from the military, or have been determined to be mentally incompetent by a court of law. Additionally, the individual may not currently be a peace officer or in a position in law enforcement that may present a conflict of interest. 4:22:33 PM REPRESENTATIVE CHENAULT referred to the general requirements for private investigators that prohibit individuals who have had a misdemeanor or a felony in the prior 10 years. He asked whether that would include driving under the influence of alcohol. MS. BLAISDELL related her understanding that it would refer to any misdemeanor or felony in the prior 10 years. 4:23:11 PM REPRESENTATIVE CHENAULT was unsure of the number of crimes that are included as misdemeanors. CHAIR OLSON did not think it would limit it. REPRESENTATIVE CHENAULT suggested that any misdemeanor would provide grounds for removal of a private investigator's license or prevent license renewal. CHAIR OLSON asked whether these provisions were taken out of model language. MS. BLAISDELL clarified that the language was taken from other state laws for licensing private investigators and many of these states broadly stated no misdemeanor or felony in the prior 10 years without providing any exceptions. 4:23:59 PM REPRESENTATIVE JOSEPHSON saw a "carve out" for fire investigators and wondered if there was one for peace officers so they are not subject to this license. MS. BLAISDELL referred to page 10, to exemptions, but suggested that peace officers are handled in another section. She referred to [page 3, paragraph (7)], which restricts currently employed peace officers from being private investigators. 4:25:33 PM REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER referred to page 2, lines 20-21, which requires that private investigators must be a citizen or resident alien of the U.S. He asked if consideration was given to requiring private investigators to be residents of Alaska. MS. BLAISDELL recommended against that since instances occur in which a private investigator is brought in from out-of-state who has special skills. She suggested that it may include investigators conducting confidential work for oil companies. In further response, she agreed the language was considered. 4:26:41 PM MS. BLAISDELL referred to page 3, proposed AS 08.85.140, which outlines class A and B private investigator qualifications. She explained the reason to establish two separate classes was to provide progression for the profession. For example, a high school graduate might be hired by someone who does investigative work and can obtain job skills. Once the person obtains investigative skills, the person can obtain a higher level of professional licensure. She characterized it as a part of the process to make sure skilled people are providing information to courts and in the legal system. 4:27:32 PM MS. BLAISDELL referred to page 4, AS 08.85.160, which outlines the criteria in the license application, including the requirement for fingerprints and local and national criminal background checks. This statute asks for letters of character references from three citizens with no prior felony record. She noted that the felony list is available on court view. 4:28:13 PM REPRESENTATIVE HERRON asked whether restrictions on tattoos should be included. He wondered if a psychological test should be required instead of a statement of mental health. MS. BLAISDELL answered that tattoos were not considered and she did not recall seeing tattoos in other states' laws. She offered to consider adding it. She recalled that two states did do a mental health examination, but most others did not include one. She was unsure whether Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) requirements covered this. She offered to consider this matter for the committee. REPRESENTATIVE HERRON said that given the reality shows he has seen that some private investigators need psychological testing. REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER referred to page [5] line 7, which requires an Alaska driver's license number and expiration date. He asked whether the specific requirement for an applicant to provide an Alaska driver's license should be deleted since the bill doesn't require a private investigator to be an Alaska resident. MS. BLAISDELL acknowledged that probably is a good point. She related that this language was put in to provide a secondary point of identification through the Division of Motor Vehicles as a means of providing identification. In further response to a question, she agreed it should require a driver's license. 4:30:59 PM MS. BLAISDELL referred to page 6 to AS 08.85.170, related to investigation of applicants, which gives the department the authority to verify the applicant's information. She also referred to [AS 08.85.200] to reciprocity, which allows the department to issue a license card to someone licensed in another state and allow them to conduct specialized work in Alaska. She further referred to [AS 08.85.210] to license cards, which provides identification that the individual is a private investigator and helps to ensure the individual has undergone some type of check rather than just printing off a business card with private investigator printed on it. 4:32:09 PM MS. BLAISDELL referred to the private investigator agency certificate [AS 08.85.220], which allows investigators who hold class A licenses and are primary employees of a business that is licensed and bonded to hire a class B investigator and provide training similar to an apprenticeship program. She further referred to AS 08.85.230 to license renewal, which establishes the process for license renewal, which is non-transferable. 4:32:42 PM REPRESENTATIVE JOSEPHSON referred to page 7 to the agency certification. He asked whether consistency exists for professions since some require errors and omissions insurance while others do not. MS. BLAISDELL explained that the errors and omissions insurance is a requirement by almost every state. She suggested that individuals on line could more specifically answer how the process works. 4:33:50 PM MS. BLAISDELL added that a provision for firearms training was removed. She pointed out that a number of private investigators requested firearms training; however, firearms are not normally required to conduct business as a private investigator. REPRESENTATIVE JOHNSON related his understanding that the bill will set a higher standard for private investigators. He said that anyone can carry a firearm in Alaska. He asked whether it would be prudent to ask private investigators to have a concealed carry permit or some type of training for any private investigators who are carrying firearms. MS. BLAISDELL answered that a concealed carry permit would be an individual's personal choice. She related that putting a section in the bill to require specific firearm training might have a tendency to give a higher authority to a private investigator, suggesting they should carry a firearm. She further related her understanding that other state laws allow concealed carry permits. 4:35:30 PM REPRESENTATIVE JOHNSON suggested that perhaps the language might require any private investigators carrying firearms to have training. He offered his belief that if the goal of the bill is an attempt to raise the standards for private investigators, that higher standards should be required. He was unsure as to whether his suggestion is a good idea but he would like the sponsor to consider firearms training. REPRESENTATIVE HERRON related his understanding that it was in an earlier version of the bill but dropped out. He also shared the concern that Representative Johnson expressed. REPRESENTATIVE JOHNSON noted that police who carry firearms must have a higher standard. He did not want to take away the right of any individual to carry firearms, but if individuals are on the job as private investigators and are carrying weapons, that these professionals are in a different situation. 4:36:53 PM MS. BLAISDELL referred to the original version of HB 253 to AS 08.85.240, which read: "Firearms training. A licensee may not carry a firearm while practicing as a private investigator until the license[e] has completed firearms training acceptable to the department." She was unsure whether DCCED would be the appropriate department to determine the training; however, perhaps something similar could be reinserted. REPRESENTATIVE CHENAULT remarked that the DCCED is not the right department to issue firearm permits. 4:37:47 PM REPRESENTATIVE JOSEPHSON commented that working as an attorney, he would infrequently have the need to hire a private investigator; however, he recalled that the private investigator would typically be doing research or would follow someone with a camera. He did not think that they had any intent to put themselves in danger, but other private investigators may also wish to be bodyguards. He suggested that perhaps there might be a variety of purposes for private investigators. 4:38:37 PM REPRESENTATIVE CHENAULT asked whether this bill deals with bodyguards. He did not think that was part of the duties of private investigators although he was unsure. CHAIR OLSON offered his belief that there is at least one private investigator who works as a bodyguard in Anchorage. REPRESENTATIVE CHENAULT was not sure if that person was a private investigator. 4:39:05 PM MS. BLAISDELL related that in speaking with a number of investigators in the state and discussing endorsements for private investigator's licensing that the profession could spill over into other areas such as bail enforcement, fugitive recovery, and executive protection. She said the focus was to put into place a background check to ensure that private investigators are not felons preying on people. She said that specific endorsements could be considered in the future. 4:39:59 PM MS. BLAISDELL referred to AS 08.85.240, to confidentiality language, which ensures that private investigator's information is kept confidential and place of residence and other information is not released to the public. MS. BLAISDELL referred to AS 08.85.250 to prohibited practices. For example, violations could be for such things as wearing a police uniform, flashing lights on a car, and making material misstatements. 4:41:28 PM REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER referred to page 10, line 4, to paragraph (6) which prohibits the department from issuing a license to someone who has solicited business for an attorney in return for compensation. He asked whether that would constitute an ethics violation. MS. BLAISDELL related her understanding that if a private investigator would solicit business that it would be similar to the situation in which an attorney would be considered an "ambulance chaser." She said that a private investigator cannot solicit someone who is in a vulnerable state. She pointed out that people can easily find licensed private investigators themselves. 4:42:33 PM REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER was unsure how one would solicit business for an attorney. MS. BLAISDELL answered this is more a code of conduct. It was presumed that the private investigator would not solicit business. She agreed that a private investigator could dig up "dirt on a person" and generate business for an attorney to get the individual out of trouble. 4:43:44 PM REPRESENTATIVE CHENAULT suggested that some states are more sophisticated than Alaska. He recalled hearing of an incident in which a young man was involved in a car accident. He discovered that some people monitor police reports and send letters to the individuals involved asking if anyone was hurt. He surmised that something similar might occur in Alaska and the middle man is just cut out. 4:44:37 PM REPRESENTATIVE HERRON asked whether a prohibited practice should include the use of drones. MS. BLAISDELL answered that the drones are operated by people and if the person shouldn't be gathering information in that way, including a certificate to fly and gather the information, the person should not be gathering it. She offered her belief that discussions on drones will crop up but a potential task force could consider it. REPRESENTATIVE HERRON asked whether the sponsor would consider it as prohibited practice. MS. BLAISDELL agreed to do so. REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER thought the devices were unmanned aerial systems. 4:46:14 PM REPRESENTATIVE CHENAULT believed that the bill for unmanned aerial aircraft also has provisions to not allow certain aspects. He didn't recall, but he envisioned that anything unlawful would be covered, whether the person was a private investigator or police officer, or other professional. MS. BLAISDELL clarified that either unmanned aircraft or drones are considered to be universal terms. 4:47:06 PM MS. BLAISDELL referred to AS 08.85.260, immunity for complainants, which provides immunity against damages resulting from a complaint filed in good faith. For example, if a private investigator has overstepped a personal boundary, if it is in good faith, an action can't be taken. Private investigators might be watching someone who doesn't want to be watched. MS. BLAISDELL referred to AS 08.85.270 to the administrative procedures act, which allows the department to adopt regulations. REPRESENTATIVE JOSEPHSON asked whether the immunity for complainants was written a little broadly. For example, he related a scenario in which the private investigator punches someone - a tort of personal injury - or says something bad publically, which would be a tort of defamation. He questioned whether this seems to say that a private investigator could be sued and he was unsure that was intended. MS. BLAISDELL agreed it was somewhat broad. REPRESENTATIVE JOSEPHSON suggested it might specify that a private investigator was acting in the official capacity as a private investigator. CHAIR OLSON suggested it be tightened up. MS. BLAISDELL referred to page 10, line 17, which references a person licensed under this chapter, but she noted it doesn't say while acting in that capacity, which could improve the language. REPRESENTATIVE JOHNSON concurred. 4:49:36 PM MS. BLAISDELL referred to AS 08.85.300 to exemptions. She explained that this statute refers to licensing requirements in this chapter that do not apply to certain individuals. For example, most of these exemptions apply to individuals who conduct investigative work in their normal work, such as an auditor investigating expenditures of a business, attorneys who investigate on behalf of their clients, and collection agencies. She recalled a request that a person conducting an investigation to determine the cause of a fire, explosion, or accident should also be exempt from the requirement to obtain a private investigator's license. However, only about four individuals conduct this type of investigation in Alaska and they are highly qualified in investigating fires, she said. MS. BLAISDELL referred to AS 08.85.310 to the definition section. Additionally, [Sections 3, 4, and 5] provide the technical and transitional provisions of the bill. 4:51:47 PM REPRESENTATIVE CHENAULT referred to the fiscal note for approximately $60,000. He didn't anticipate much change with the committee substitute, but assumed a new fiscal note will be issued that relates to the committee substitute (CS). He expressed concern that issuing identification cards and other costs associated with the bill will have some fiscal impact. CHAIR OLSON surmised DCCED will testify at the next hearing. 4:52:45 PM REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER asked how many people are engaged as private investigators. MS. BLAISDELL answered that there are 139 business licenses for private investigators, with 109 in Alaska and 30 out of state. She recalled a retired police officer who is a bail bondsman indicated that he has tripled his wages. She was unsure of the salary, but perhaps the Department of Labor & Workforce Development has figures. 4:53:53 PM REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER asked whether a private investigator's license is required to be a bail bondsman or to return someone who has jumped bail. MS. BLAISDELL answered no; however, private investigators do conduct all kinds of tasks. 4:54:30 PM H.H. "TRES" LEWIS III, Private investigator, Mendenhall Investigations, Inc., stated that he has worked as a private investigator in Alaska for 28 years. He was involved with the first bill related to licensing private investigators in Alaska. He said this bill has serious flaws and issues that could significantly impact the profession. In response to a question, he responded that he has held discussions with the prime sponsors of HB 253. MS. BLAISDELL referred to page 2, lines [21-22], the requirement that a person may not be convicted of a misdemeanor. He stated that he is aware of one private investigator in Alaska who shoplifted a carton of cigarettes at the age of 18. That person served 10 years in the U.S. Army as a military policeman and later became an Alaska State Trooper; however, under the bill since this individual previously committed a crime of dishonesty the person would prohibited from being a private investigator. He asked members to consider striking this language. 4:56:27 PM MR. LEWIS stated that Alaska has a set of regulations considered barrier crimes, which is used for many professions, including nurses and janitors. He offered his belief that those regulations, located in the Alaska administrative code (AAC) Title 7, offers greater protection to the public than the simple language of not having been convicted of a crime in the past 10 years. He offered his belief that other states have barrier of 10 years for felonies and 5 years for misdemeanors. He referred to [page 3, line 2 to paragraph (5)], which relates to dishonorable discharge from the armed forces. He said he is aware of several people discharged with a dishonorable discharge due to post-traumatic stress disorders. These soldiers came home and have managed to put their lives back together; however, these individuals could not serve as private investigators under the bill and this does them a disservice. He expressed concern about the multiple tier licensing system. He suggested one license is all that is required. 4:57:37 PM MR. LEWIS did not object to an "apprentice license," but the person must have a letter that the private investigator is willing to hire the person as an apprentice. He found that the agency license would just be another avenue for the state to charge fees, which is not necessary, especially since most private investigators are solo practitioners. MR. LEWIS expressed concern about the education requirements. He said he was aware of a successful private investigator in Anchorage who does not have a high school diploma or general education development (GED). This person would not qualify under the bill to be a private investigator. He expressed concern about the requirement for the 1,500 hours or more of billable hours required [on page 4, lines 5-11 of Version N]. He suggested some kind of formula is necessary. For example, if someone worked in the public defender's office for 20 years, the individual should receive credit. He surmised the 1,500 billable hours came out of the California law, but the majority of the private investigators in Alaska have worked in the public defender's agency, the Office of Public Advocacy, or law enforcement. He considered himself an exception, since he was mentored by an attorney who spent three years training him. 4:59:23 PM MR. LEWIS expressed concerns about requirements for information on the application. For example, he did not find his wife's occupation to be relevant to his private investigator license. MR. LEWIS expressed concern with the requirement for identification card and weapons. He said that the ID card is dangerous since the public may interpret that the investigator has some caliber of law enforcement. Instead, he suggested that private investigator's be required to place their license number on a business card. Further, the state could list all private investigators on the state's website so the public can determine whether the person is a legitimate private investigator. He said that in 28 years he has never had the need for a firearm. In fact, he emphasized that it should be a prohibited act for a private investigator to carry a firearm since it, again, would lead the public into thinking the private investigator is some sort of law enforcement officer. He objected to the bonding requirement since he found $100,000 ridiculously low. He reported that he could obtain a $1,000,000 policy as an unarmed private investigator for $800 per year. He could not find anyone in Alaska would issue a corporate bond in Alaska. 5:01:29 PM REPRESENTATIVE JOSEPHSON asked whether private investigators want this licensure. MR. LEWIS answered that some people do not want it. He offered his belief that "the absolute best of all worlds" would be to require private investigators to be registered, including listing their names, addresses, telephone number, and insurance policy. He suggested confirmation that the person has not been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor in the past 10 years, and that the private investigator's license was issued by the state. He said this type of registration would be similar to the method Colorado uses, which is a simple process, but would still offer a greater level of protection to the citizens of Alaska. CHAIR OLSON noted that public comment will remain open. [HB 253 was held over.]