Panel approves event-security proposal, sends it to Senate

A bill that proposes to do away with requiring security guard certification for ticket-takers and bag-checkers at special events was again brought before a Senate committee after being held last week over concern the bill would reduce security at event centers and sport matches.

Members of the Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Committee reluctantly approved SB71 Thursday to go on to the Senate for approval; however, committee chairman, Sen. Chris Buttars, R-West Jordan, cautioned the bill's sponsor, Sen. Gene Davis, D-Salt Lake City, that he needs to address security concerns or the bill would likely fail a Senate vote.

The bill proposes to exempt workers from contracted security companies who take tickets or check bags from having to go through security officer training, which includes a criminal background check.

Members of the committee expressed concerns that the bill would dilute security at events and, in light of terrorist attacks, security should be a concern at special events in venues like the Delta Center and USANA Amphitheater.

Sen. Patrice Arent, D-South Cottonwood, said last week she was concerned that companies would simply choose not to do background checks, and the thought of having a potential felon digging through her belongings at an event proved unnerving.

Sen. Davis Thomas, R-South Weber, noted that since last week, the changes to the bill did not address the concern about criminal background checks.

Kevin Bruder with Centennial Management, which provides security for the E Center, USANA Amphitheater and the West Valley Cultural Center, said trained security guards are already additionally provided.

"There's a high level of security, but you don't see it," Davis said of most events in Utah.

However, several security agency trade associations and individuals testified that exempting ticket-takers and bag-checkers from training leaves event patrons at risk.

"If you're going to create a splash in Utah, you would almost have to do it during a sporting event," said Robert Anderton with a security trade association. Anderton said after tickets are taken and bags are checked, typically those workers then help with security. With the bill, those workers would not be trained.

Clyde Ormand with the Utah Department of Professional Licensing said the bill would leave security companies free to hire anyone off the street without training or background check.

Buttars said he was willing to pass the bill out of committee to the Senate, but added that if changes are not made to address background checks, he felt the Senate would not pass it.

"You're going to have to address that or you'll loose," Buttars said.

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