CO HB1120

Creates the "Guard Training and Standards Act" establishing licensing requirements for security guards, protection guards, and armed guards effective January 1, 2022, administered by the Director of the Division of Professions and Occupations.

Security guards cannot carry firearms or use physical force; protection guards cannot carry firearms but may use lawful physical force; armed guards may carry firearms and use physical force while possessing a concealed carry permit.

Protection guards and armed guards must complete 80 hours of approved training covering duties, communication, law enforcement interaction, and de-escalation practices; armed guards must also complete firearms training equivalent to peace officer certification.

Requires guard employers to register with the director; prohibits use of guard titles without proper licensure; establishes reporting requirements for convictions, terminations for misconduct, and use of physical force, with violations punishable as class 2 misdemeanor (first offense) or class 6 felony (subsequent offenses).

Mandates protection guards and armed guards wear body cameras similar to peace officers, establishes uniform and vehicle standards, creates a database of licensed guards accessible to employers, and provides for director discipline with fines of $50-$5,000; article sunsets September 1, 2031.