HB 9 Summary

• Establishes state licensing and regulation of private investigators and private investigator agencies through the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development under new AS 08.85.

• Creates two license classes: Class A for agency operators and Class B for employed investigators, with Class A requiring 21+ years old and 1-3 years investigative experience depending on education level, Class B requiring 18+ years old and high school diploma.

• Requires private investigator agencies to obtain certificates and maintain errors and omissions insurance of $100,000 or possession of a corporate surety bond of $15,000.

• Prohibits unlicensed private investigator practice; establishes grounds for discipline including criminal convictions, misstatements on applications, impersonation of law enforcement, and failure to cooperate with department investigations.

• Effective July 1, 2015; grandfathers existing licensed or business-licensed private investigators with 1,500+ hours of experience as Class A licensees and their employees as Class B licensees.