Bill > HB302

This bill modifies existing laws in Alabama concerning bail and surety bonding by strengthening requirements for professional surety bondsmen and professional bail bondsmen, and for apprentice bondsmen, including requiring an original qualifying power of attorney to be attached to all bail bond forms, which must be issued by a professional surety company and specify authorized agents and their limitations. It also mandates that circuit clerks create and submit lists of authorized bail bond companies to the Alabama Professional Bail Bonding Board, detailing company names, principals, and any outstanding forfeitures or fees, and expands the Alabama Bail Bonding Board by adding a sheriff and a lay person, while also adjusting the nomination process for existing members to ensure greater diversity. Furthermore, the bill increases the financial security required for professional bail companies, raising the amount for escrow agreements or surety bonds to $100,000, and introduces late application and license renewal fees, with a $125 fee for failing to submit a renewal application by September 30th. The bill also clarifies that apprentice bondsmen can perform all duties without direct supervision except for apprehending a fugitive, and that an apprentice license can only be issued once.

Government Affairs, Justice

https://alison.legislature.state.al.us/bill-search