HB0318 Ostmann, Cindy et al

P R E F I L E D

HB 318 -- Security Regulations for Convenience Stores (CORRECTED)

This bill establishes various requirements regarding security at convenience stores. The bill defines a "convenience business" as one which primarily sells groceries or both groceries and gasoline and which is open from 11:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. The bill does not apply to an organization that: (1) primarily functions as a restaurant, (2) has at least two employees on the premises between 11:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m., (3) has at least 10,000 square feet of retail floor space, or (4) in which the owner or his or her family works between 11:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

Each owner of a convenience store is required to provide before January 1, 1997, a bullet-resistant glass enclosure or security system, a drop safe or cash management device, parking lot lighting that provides a clear view under normal conditions, unobstructed visibility of the cash register, a conspicuous notice stating that the cash register contains limited funds, height markers at the entrance, and a cash management policy to limit cash on hand from 11:00 p.m. until 5:00 a.m. A convenience store will not use window tinting to reduce the interior or exterior view in a normal line of sight.

The owner or principal operator will provide employees with approved training for robbery deterrence and safety. The training will occur within 60 days after an employee begins his or her employment. If a person is an employee on January 1, 1997, then training may begin by July 1, 1997.

The owner or operator is required to submit an outline of the training curriculum. The training curriculum must be approved by the Department of Public Safety upon payment of a departmental fee not to exceed $100. The owner or principal operator of a convenience business is not required to disclose proprietary or confidential information.

A Convenience Business Fund is created in the state treasury. All fees will be deposited in the fund. The department will issue rules and set the various fees to produce revenue. The authority of the legislative Joint Committee on Administrative Rules to review and suspend departmental regulations to implement this bill are described.

The department will notify a convenience store of a known violation by mail. The owner has 30 days after receipt of the notice to comply. Failure to do so may incur a fine by the department of up to $1,000. A suspension of the fine may be conditioned on compliance with the bill.