Bill > HB5517

This bill mandates that the Office of Insurance Commissioner (OIC) will be the sole authority responsible for creating, certifying, maintaining, and distributing lists of professional surety and property bondsmen, who are individuals licensed to post bail bonds for compensation. Previously, various local entities like police precincts and jails were responsible for maintaining these lists. Under this new law, the OIC will create geographically specific lists for each county and detention facility, including only those licensed bondsmen who operate within a 50-mile radius of the facility or serve the counties it covers and have filed a statement of their service area. Additionally, the OIC will maintain a statewide master list with each bondsman's contact information and license type, which must be updated regularly and provided to detention facilities and detainees upon request. While these specific lists will be posted, the bill clarifies that detainees retain the right to contact any licensed bondsman in the state, and facility staff must facilitate communication with the detainee's chosen bondsman. The OIC is also empowered to create rules to implement and enforce these provisions, including ensuring lists are legible and that facilities comply with the new requirements.

Budget and Finance

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=5517&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill