PROVIDED SUMMARY
Security Services on Religious Premises; Exempts certain persons providing voluntary armed security services at churches or ecclesiastical or denominational organizations from specified requirements; provides requirements such persons must meet to qualify for exemption.
Full bill text →
Plain English Summary
AI-GENERATED
Exempts unpaid armed church security volunteers from state licensing.
A person who volunteers as armed security at a church or other religious organization no longer needs a private security license under chapter 493, as long as they already hold a concealed weapon or firearm license and receive no pay for the work.
The exemption only covers security work performed on the religious organization's own property, including any land it owns or leases for worship, education, or other religious activities - not security work done elsewhere.
Being reimbursed for reasonable training or equipment costs does not count as compensation, so a volunteer can accept that reimbursement without losing the exemption or triggering the licensing requirement.
KEY PROVISIONS
§ 1
New chapter 493 exemption for volunteer armed church security
majors. 493.6102
AIA person who volunteers to provide armed security at a church or ecclesiastical or denominational organization is exempt from chapter 493's private security licensing requirements, as long as they meet three conditions on licensing, location, and pay.
“Any person who on a voluntary basis provides armed security services on the premises of a church or ecclesiastical or denominational organization”
bill text, line 17 →
§ 2
Exemption requires a concealed weapon license and no pay
majors. 493.6102
AITo qualify, the volunteer must already hold a valid concealed weapon or firearm license, provide the security services only on the religious organization's own premises, and receive no compensation for the work.
“holds a valid license to carry a concealed weapon or firearm issued pursuant s. 790.06”
bill text, line 22 →
§ 3
Expense reimbursement does not count as disqualifying compensation
moderates. 493.6102
AIBeing reimbursed for reasonable training or equipment costs does not count as compensation, so accepting that reimbursement will not disqualify a volunteer from the exemption.
“does not include reimbursement for reasonable expenses actually incurred and related to the cost of training or the cost of equipment”
bill text, line 32 →
TIMELINE
3/11/2026
Laid on Table; Companion bill(s) passed, see CS/SB 52 (Ch. 2026-46 )
2/10/2026
Added to Second Reading Calendar
2/10/2026
Bill released to House Calendar
2/10/2026
Reported out of Judiciary Committee
2/10/2026
Favorable by Judiciary Committee
2/6/2026
Added to Judiciary Committee agenda
2/5/2026
Now in Judiciary Committee
2/5/2026
Reported out of Industries & Professional Activities Subcommittee
2/5/2026
Favorable by Industries & Professional Activities Subcommittee
2/3/2026
Added to Industries & Professional Activities Subcommittee agenda
1/28/2026
Now in Industries & Professional Activities Subcommittee
1/28/2026
Reported out of Criminal Justice Subcommittee
1/28/2026
Favorable by Criminal Justice Subcommittee
1/26/2026
Added to Criminal Justice Subcommittee agenda
1/13/2026
1st Reading (Original Filed Version)
10/14/2025
Now in Criminal Justice Subcommittee
10/14/2025
Referred to Judiciary Committee
10/14/2025
Referred to Industries & Professional Activities Subcommittee
10/14/2025
Referred to Criminal Justice Subcommittee
14 EARLIER →
STATUTES IT CHANGES
STAFF ANALYSES