Bill > SB1026

This bill, known as the Bail Fugitive Recovery Agent Reform Act, aims to strengthen regulations for bail fugitive recovery agents (BFRAs), who are licensed individuals authorized to locate and arrest individuals who have failed to appear in court after being released on bail. Key provisions include requiring BFRAs to maintain a $1,000,000 liability insurance policy that meets specific criteria, with failure to do so resulting in automatic license suspension after a 30-day notice. The bill also mandates that notices of appointment for BFRAs must be formally filed and acknowledged by the Department of Insurance to be effective, and that BFRAs must notify the commissioner if their peace officer certification (if they hold one) is suspended, revoked, or surrendered. Furthermore, it clarifies that BFRA applicants must be current residents of California for at least two years prior to applying, prohibits BFRAs from threatening legal action unrelated to the bail case or loitering without the bail subject present, and requires them to clearly display their license number on business materials. The bill also introduces new restrictions on BFRA conduct, such as prohibiting them from misrepresenting themselves as law enforcement officers or using disguises, and establishes a $4,000 fine for each offense of violating these provisions.