Dallas’ Law to enhance training requirements for security guards clears Senate
Bill named after a man restrained, killed by unlicensed, untrained guards
NASHVILLE —A bill, called Dallas’ Law, going through the state legislature would strengthen training and licensing requirements for some private security guards in Tennessee.
The legislation, sponsored by Sen. Jeff Yarbro, comes after a 22-year-old Nashville man, Dallas Barrett, was killed at a bar last August while being restrained by six security guards — some unlicensed and some untrained.
“People who visit the state expect to be safe and expect those who are providing security to be actual trained professionals,” Sen. Yarbro said.
Under Senate Bill 2514, all unarmed security guards would be required to complete new training requirements. The training would include de-escalation and safe-restraint techniques, as well as training in first aid and CPR.
The Senate approved the legislation today on a 28–1 vote.
The companion bill in the House, sponsored by Rep. Bill Beck, is currently in the Finance Committee.
