Bill > S251

This bill makes comprehensive revisions to North Carolina's laws governing bail bondsmen, focusing on several key areas of regulation. The bill introduces a new statement of purpose for bail bondsman regulations and establishes a new framework for provisional licensees, extending the initial supervised period from 12 to 24 months. It creates specific requirements for supervising bail bondsmen, including a $200 application fee, five years of uninterrupted experience, and limitations on supervising no more than two provisional licensees simultaneously. The bill also expands grounds for administrative action against bail bondsmen, such as adding provisions for denying or revoking licenses based on violations resulting in injury or death or the use of unnecessary force. Additionally, the bill mandates that bail bondsmen maintain a physical business address in North Carolina, not just a post office box, and requires licensees to have a valid North Carolina driver's license and comply with motor vehicle financial responsibility requirements. The continuing education deadline is shifted from June 30 to May 15 each year, and the bill introduces new restrictions on out-of-state bail bondsmen arresting defendants in North Carolina. These changes aim to improve professional standards, enhance oversight, and ensure public safety in the bail bonds industry. The bill will become effective on July 1, 2025, and will apply to licenses issued or renewed on or after that date.

https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/S251