H-3442.1
SUBSTITUTE HOUSE BILL 2422
State of Washington
69th Legislature
2026 Regular Session
By House Postsecondary Education & Workforce (originally sponsored by Representatives Obras, Berry, Parshley, Ryu, Scott, Salahuddin, Simmons, Ormsby, Macri, Goodman, and Reed)
READ FIRST TIME 02/04/26.
AN ACT Relating to private security guards; amending RCW 18.170.030 , 18.170.040 , and 18.170.165 ; adding a new section to chapter 18.170 RCW; creating a new section; and providing an effective date.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:
NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. (1) The legislature finds that private security guards are required to pay an initial licensing fee of $101 and an annual license renewal fee of $95. These recurring out-of-pocket costs create a significant barrier for workers entering and remaining in the security guard profession, particularly in an industry characterized by modest wages, irregular hours, and high turnover.
(2) The legislature recognizes that private security guards frequently serve as frontline responders, working in challenging and high-risk environments to protect people, property, and public safety. Ensuring that qualified individuals are not excluded from this profession due to licensing costs strengthens workforce stability and improves public safety outcomes across Washington.