Bill > SB1245

This bill establishes a comprehensive new regulatory framework for professional bail bondsmen in Tennessee, creating a state Board of Professional Bondsmen to oversee licensing, discipline, and standards for the industry. The bill requires all professional bondsmen to be licensed by the board starting March 1, 2026, and creates a seven-member board appointed by the Speaker of the House, Governor, and Speaker of the Senate, with members representing various criminal justice roles like professional bondsmen, judges, district attorneys, and court clerks. The legislation introduces stricter requirements for becoming a professional bondsman, including mandatory criminal background checks, a two-year license renewal process, and provisions for disciplinary actions. Key changes include empowering the board to suspend or revoke licenses, requiring bondsmen to notify the board of arrests, and establishing a public registry of licensed professionals. The bill also prohibits certain public officials from serving as professional bondsmen and gives judges discretion to deny bonding privileges even to licensed professionals. Additionally, the legislation mandates that bondsmen must inform the board about the counties where they are approved to admit persons to bail, creating a more transparent and accountable system for bail bond services in Tennessee.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs, Justice

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=SB1245&ga=114