SB24 Summary: Alabama Private Investigators Licensing and Regulatory Act

• Establishes the Alabama Private Investigation Board with 8 members appointed by the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Speaker of the House, Attorney General, and Alabama Private Investigators Association, each serving 4-year terms after initial appointments.

• Requires all private investigators to obtain a license from the board, pass a criminal background check, be at least 19 years old, be of good moral character, and pass a board-administered examination offered twice annually.

• Licenses are valid for 2 years and require 8 hours of continuing professional education annually; licensees must display an 8x10 license in their workplace and carry an identification card.

• Board may suspend, revoke, or refuse to renew licenses for violations of the act, fraud, misrepresentation, felony or misdemeanor convictions reflecting unfavorably on fitness, or other disqualifying acts; civil penalties up to $2,000 apply for violations.

• Unlicensed practice is a Class A misdemeanor; specific violations by licensees including misrepresenting abilities, making false reports to clients, or revealing confidential information are also Class A misdemeanors; act becomes effective on the first day of the third month following passage.