Colorado Private Eye Bill Clears Senate

DENVER (AP) — Another attempt in Colorado to require private investigators to get state licenses is being debated at the state Capitol.

The proposal would mandate background checks and skills tests for people doing business as private eyes. Colorado is one of a handful of states with no required licensure for private investigators.

The bill passed on a party-line 18-17 vote and now heads to the House. A similar bill was approved by the Senate last year but failed in the House.

Democratic supporters say Colorado attracts unscrupulous private investigators because of lax regulation. Republicans argue that private eye licenses are unnecessary red tape and that Colorado has adequate protections against stalking or harassment from shady private eyes.