Louisiana House Bill 157 (HB 157), introduced in the 2025 Regular Legislative Session, proposes an increase in the licensing and registration fees collected by the Louisiana State Board of Private Security Examiners. This bill directly impacts private security companies, instructors, and individual guards working in the life safety and property protection industry.
If passed, HB 157 would raise several key fees. The initial company license would increase from $400 to $500, and the renewal fee would rise slightly from $400 to $410. For individual guards, the initial registration fee would jump from $30 to $75, and the renewal fee would increase to $65. Instructors would also see higher costs, with classroom and baton instructor licenses moving up to $110 and $130 respectively, and firearms instructor licenses increasing from $150 to $160. Other fees, such as examination and status change fees, are also slated to rise. In a notable administrative update, the bill would permit payments via electronic methods in addition to checks, making transactions more flexible.
HB 157 also includes a transparency requirement, mandating the Board to publicly display and regularly update its fee schedule on its website, along with the legal authority for each fee. This change aims to ensure licensees are fully informed of their obligations and any future updates.
For businesses operating in the security sector, these changes mean higher operating costs and a potential need to reassess pricing or budgets. Companies that employ large numbers of licensed guards or offer in-house training programs could face a significant financial impact. The increase in instructor licensing and examination fees may also affect training availability and affordability for new professionals entering the field.
It’s important for industry professionals and company owners to stay aware of HB 157’s progress and evaluate how these changes might affect their operations. Participating in professional associations and advocacy efforts may also help influence how the bill is implemented or amended. The full bill can be reviewed on the Louisiana Legislature website at HB 157