Bill > HB0671

This bill proposes two key changes to Tennessee's bail bond regulations. First, it establishes a detailed process for professional bondsmen (bail bond agents) to petition the court for release from their obligations when a defendant fails to appear in court. The bill requires bondsmen to submit a sworn affidavit detailing their good faith efforts to locate and ensure the defendant's court appearance, and allows courts to consider factors such as the bondsman's record-keeping, tracking attempts, and actions taken to find the defendant. If the court finds the bondsman has made sufficient good faith efforts, it may release the bondsman from their financial obligations. Second, the bill mandates that before accepting a bail deposit, court clerks must require bondsmen to initial each page of the bond order to confirm they have read and understand any conditions imposed on the defendant, with copies provided to the bondsman and maintained in the defendant's file. These provisions aim to increase accountability and transparency in the bail bond process, with the bill set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

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https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=HB0671&ga=114