MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2005 Regular Session

To: Insurance; Appropriations

By: Representative Ellis (By Request)

House Bill 1350

AN ACT TO CREATE WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE A BOARD TO LICENSE AND REGULATE PRIVATELY OWNED, FOR PROFIT, PROTECTIVE SERVICES WITHIN THE STATE; TO PROVIDE FOR THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE BOARD AND FOR THE POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE BOARD; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

     BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:

     SECTION 1.  There is created within the Department of Insurance a seven-member regulatory board to license and regulate privately owned, for profit, protective services within the State of Mississippi.  The Commissioner of Insurance shall appoint the members of the board.  The members of the board shall represent each of the following divisions or categories:

          (a)  Burglar and fire alarm technicians;

          (b)  Installation and service of fire suppression systems; and

          (c)  Private security officers.

     From this group, one (1) person may be elected or appointed to be a direct coordinator working with the Insurance Commissioner or his designee.

     Owners, managers, supervisors and any other person having direct or indirect influence for the day-to-day activities of personnel or their duties shall be under the regulatory authority of this board.

     Each member of the board shall receive per diem in the amount established in Section 25-3-69 or Section 25-3-41.

     All expenses of this board shall be paid by funds collected from either registration or permit fees or monetary penalties imposed and deposited in the funds of the Department of Insurance.

     SECTION 2.  The board may contract with a person to serve as a coordinator or, with the approval of the Commissioner of Insurance, may employ an individual within the Department of Insurance to serve as a coordinator.  The board shall establish the authority and responsibilities of the coordinator.  The agency shall:

          (a)  Promulgate and quantify rules, regulations, standards and criteria for licensing a corporation or business to acceptable standards of the State of Mississippi.

          (b)  With the approval of the Department of Insurance, adopt rules to carry out its duties under this act.

          (c)  Set fees, fines, disciplinary procedures and procedures for appeals.

          (d)  Ensure that all personnel, companies and organizations providing the services stated herein to the public in Mississippi possess proper insurance and have a current background investigation.

     SECTION 3.  This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2005.