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No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend the Occupations Code to stipulate certain regulations regarding camera systems used in some manner by certain private security companies and occupations. It is assumed any costs associated with implementing the provisions of the bill could be absorbed within current resources.
This bill would amend the Occupations Code to define the term "camera systems company" as it relates to installers of video surveillance, monitoring, and security systems.
The bill would prohibit a person from "acting as a camera systems company unless the person holds a license as a security services contractor".
The general purpose of this bill is to add occupational licensing and background check requirements to camera systems companies and their employees.
We oppose adding occupational licensing requirements on free market grounds. To that end we have actively supported efforts to diminish occupational licensing in Texas. We also oppose state-mandated background checks as a condition of occupational licensing and of employment in the private sector. Many will argue that background checks are necessary to prevent people with criminal records from installing surveilance equipment. It is not the job of the state to do due dilligence for private individuals. If people want to ensure that their systems are installed by people with background checks they can ask the installation company about it. If the company doesn't do background checks a person is free to choose a competitor that does. Big government solutions are not a good or effective replacement for personal responsibility on the part of consumers.
This bill intersects negatively with our free market, limited government, and personal responsibility principles. As such we oppose HB 2161.
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