# Government Operations on September 17, 2026


**Body:** Boston City Council
**Date:** September 16, 2026
**Jurisdiction:** SLED

**Tags:** Professional Services, Public Safety, Regulatory Compliance


The Boston City Council Committee on Government Operations held a hearing on September 17, 2026, to discuss docket 1541, an ordinance establishing minimum training requirements for unarmed security guards in Boston. The ordinance proposes 40 hours of initial training within 90 days for new guards, 180 days for existing guards, and 8 hours annually thereafter, with training provided through city-certified programs and employers responsible for training costs and compensation. The hearing featured testimony from business owners, security company representatives, hospital officials, union members, and security guards themselves. Key procurement-related concerns included the ordinance's impact on small and minority-owned security businesses, the feasibility of implementing the training certification program within the proposed timeline, and the exclusion of employer-provided training programs. Union and frontline security officers strongly supported the ordinance, emphasizing the need for standardized, in-person training to improve safety and professionalize the industry. Business representatives expressed concerns about increased costs, operational challenges, and the lack of flexibility in training providers. The council acknowledged the need for further collaboration and indicated plans for working sessions to refine the ordinance, aiming to balance worker safety, business viability, and effective implementation.

**Source:** Boston City Council