Pittsburgh building owners are suing the city, claiming City Council didn't have the authority to pass an ordinance that mandates training for security officers.

Under the bill, security officers won't be permitted to work in commercial and retail buildings larger than 100,000 square feet unless they receive training (paid by the employer) in use of force, terrorism detection and emergency response at a facility certified by the Pittsburgh Fire Bureau. They could receive a fine of as much as $500 for not complying.

The Building Owners and Managers Association filed suit in Allegheny County Common Pleas Court, asking a judge to declare the ordinance invalid and stop its enforcement, reported the Pittsburgh Tribune.  The group cites a Pennsylvania law that says home-rule charter municipalities such as Pittsburgh “shall not determine duties, responsibilities or requirements placed upon businesses, occupations and employers.”

Attorney Greg Evashavik, who represents the building owners group, said the ordinance requiring officer training is illegal. The Pittsburgh City Council unanimously passed the legislation in May. The ordinance took effect June 15 and gives building owners until Nov. 10 to have experienced security officeres trained, with new officers trained within 60 days of their hire date. 

http://triblive.com/news/allegheny/8898637-74/pittsburgh-training-ordinance#ixzz3iofK9rWN