SB365 changes the renewal process for security guard certifications in Maryland. It ties certification expiration to the last day of the holder’s birth month, requires the Secretary of State Police to send renewal notices 90, 60, and 30 days before expiration, and directs that those notices be sent electronically to the last known email address on file. The bill also requires renewal applicants to submit the renewal application and fee before expiration, while keeping the existing 3-year renewal term, $10 renewal fee, FBI fingerprint card record check payment, and 8 hours of approved continuing security training.
The bill removes several provisions from current law. It repeals the late-fee system for overdue renewals, including the $5-per-day penalty and related hardship exceptions, and it eliminates the requirement that a licensed security guard agency or employer file a declaration under penalty of perjury about whether a guard still meets certification criteria. The Secretary may still refuse certification if an applicant has outstanding obligations under the subtitle, but the specific late-fee language is deleted. The act takes effect October 1, 2026.
Impact
SB365 amends Title 19 of the Business Occupations and Professions Article, specifically the section governing security guard certification renewals. It changes administrative deadlines and notice procedures for the Secretary of State Police, removes the statutory late-fee mechanism, and eliminates the employer/agency declaration requirement. Security guards seeking renewal, and the agencies or employers that rely on them, will be subject to the revised renewal timing and notice rules, while the State Police will need to update renewal processing and notification practices.
Sentiment
The bill appears to have been broadly supported and noncontroversial. It passed the Senate 45-0 and the House 127-0, indicating unanimous approval in both chambers. The absence of committee transcript discussion suggests the measure was treated as a technical or administrative cleanup bill rather than a policy dispute.
Contention
There is little evidence of substantive opposition in the available record. The main policy changes are administrative: removing late fees, changing the expiration date to the holder’s birth month, and ending the employer declaration requirement. Any potential concern would likely come from the State Police or regulated employers about implementation changes, but no recorded objections or divided votes appear in the materials provided.
State Boards, Committees, Commissions, Task Forces, and Workgroups - Elimination of Citizenship Requirements and Establishment of Diversity Requirements
Reforms the organizational structure for the Department of Transportation and Development including its duties, powers, and responsibilities of officers and employees (EN INCREASE SD EX See Note)
A bill for an act providing for certain business entities acting under the jurisdiction of the secretary of state by providing for the removal of information from a filing based on a sworn affidavit and administrative dissolution based on the response to interrogatories.(See HF 2678.)