Bill > SB1202

This bill introduces two key changes to Tennessee's bail bond procedures. First, it establishes a detailed process for professional bondsmen to petition for release from their obligations when a defendant fails to appear in court. The bill requires bondsmen to provide a sworn affidavit and allows courts to evaluate their "good faith efforts" to locate the defendant by considering factors such as contact information, tracking actions, location attempts, and other relevant information. If the court finds that 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, confirming they have read and understood any conditions imposed on the defendant. The bondsman will receive a copy of the initialed order, and a copy will be maintained in the defendant's file. These changes aim to create more 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=SB1202&ga=114