Bill > HB478

This bill establishes a legal framework for creating volunteer security teams for organizations, primarily focusing on religious and public venues. The bill defines a "volunteer security team" as a group of unpaid security personnel who protect an organization during events, and provides detailed eligibility requirements for team members. To serve on such a team, individuals must be U.S. citizens aged 18 or older, possess a concealed weapon permit, have no serious criminal record, demonstrate good moral character, and pass background checks and examinations. Team members must complete annual firearms training and quarterly safety training, and the team must have an organizational structure with a security director and team leader. The bill grants civil immunity to volunteer security team members during a "declared emergency," which is defined as situations involving potential violence, active shooter scenarios, or the need to remove disruptive individuals. Armed team members must hold active concealed weapon permits and complete specific training requirements. The legislation aims to provide organizations with a legal mechanism to establish trained, supervised security teams while providing protection from civil liability during critical incidents. This bill specifically applies to various types of organizations hosting public events, including religious services, festivals, sporting events, and community markets.

Justice

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC3075