NCISS is not just a national association for professional investigators, we’re also the industry advocate in Washington. Year-round, we monitor, track, analyze, and respond to legislation, regulation, and judicial activity affecting the investigative profession. Here are some of the most pressing issues currently underway in the nation’s capital and statehouses:

NCISS is weighing in on a proposed regulation that is pending before the federal Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, titled “Protecting Americans from Harmful Data Broker Practices (Regulation V)” 12 CFR Part 1022 (December 03, 2024) [CFPB-2024-0044; RIN 3170-AB27.”
The regulation considers whether credit header information in commercial databases should be considered a consumer report which would make them subject to greater restrictions, scrutiny, and opt-outs by consumers. NCISS is asking that the regulators and lawmakers consider the important roles of the security and investigative professions in crafting how we have access and under what circumstances.

In our comment to the bureau, NCISS President Edward Ajaeb wrote, "NCISS recognizes the CFPB’s intent to protect consumers from harmful data broker practices, we must emphasize the unintended consequences that this proposed rule may have on private investigators and security professionals. The regulation, as currently drafted, would severely inhibit the capability of private investigators and security professionals to conduct their business effectively and protect society."

Similar and related data privacy legislation is being debated in state legislatures around the country. They will undoubtedly affect the completeness and timeliness of the information that we rely on for our investigative work.  These bills would give consumers more control over what can be released, to whom, and how they can correct or delete their information. Some of the bills will limit what can be sold to data brokers.

Versions have been introduced in Illinois (HB3041); Utah (HB0444); Hawaii (SB1038); Vermont (S0071 and H0208); Connecticut (SB01356); Montana (SB297); Alabama (HB283); Washington (HB1671).

NCISS is monitoring the bills and encouraging members throughout the country to get involved in making sure our industry is not adversely affected. NCISS is ready to help local investigators.

NCISS is also monitoring proposals at the federal level that would affect drones. These increasingly important tools are being scrutinized because of their technology come from China and many people view them as intruding on privacy.

Also, on the NCISS radar are changes to the Federal Freedom of Information Act because information is vital to serving our clients.  Among other things, budget cuts made by the new administration are paring back FOIA officers which could further delay responses to records requests.

Finally, NCISS is circulating a petition calling for an Investigation and Security Bill of Rights. This petition asks federal officials to protect and empower professional investigators and their critical work by:

1. Preserving Access to Public Records and Information: Ensure continued access to vital data, records, and information for legitimate investigative and security purposes, while respecting the public’s privacy.
2. Opposing Overly Restrictive Legislation: Reject laws and regulations that unduly limit the ability of investigators and security professionals to perform their duties, including unreasonable restrictions on data access, investigative tools, security practices, and laws and regulations that harm small businesses.
3. Protecting Investigators and Security Professionals’ Work: Defend the use of legitimate tools and methods, ensuring professionals can operate within the law without undue interference or liability.
4. Enhancing Collaboration: Encourage stronger relationships and cooperation between investigators, security professionals, law enforcement, and the legal community to bolster justice and public safety.

NCISS President Edward Ajaeb welcomes all investigators, security professionals, and industry allies to sign on. This effort, he said, will send a strong, united message to Congress about the challenges we face and the critical role we play in upholding justice, security, and due process.

Sign the petition today and share it with colleagues, industry peers, fellow associations, and on social media. Every signature strengthens our voice.