Bill > HB729

This bill modifies Montana's laws regarding surety bail bond insurance by establishing new requirements for bail bond producers. The legislation mandates that bail bond producers must collect a minimum premium of 10% of the guaranteed amount of a surety appearance bond, with the full premium to be collected upfront and a receipt provided to the client. Additionally, the bill stipulates that any additional fees beyond the minimum premium must be specifically disclosed in the contract, preventing unexpected charges. The changes aim to create more transparency in the bail bond process by ensuring clear fee structures and documentation. The bill amends an existing statute (33-26-106) to clarify that courts and officers can continue to allow reasonable expenses for procuring surety bonds, while introducing these new provisions to regulate how bail bond producers handle premiums and fees. By requiring upfront disclosure and a standard minimum premium, the legislation seeks to protect consumers and standardize practices in the surety bail bond insurance industry.

Business and Industry

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC3086