HB460 Summary

• Establishes comprehensive licensing requirements for title insurance agents in Alabama, including minimum age of 19 years, residency in the state, and prohibition on individuals with certain criminal or regulatory violations.

• Requires all title insurance agent applicants to complete a 20-hour prelicensing course and pass a written examination, with limited exemptions for individuals with 5+ years of prior experience or previous licensure in the state.

• Mandates biennial continuing education of 24 hours (including 3 hours in ethics) for license renewal, with only commissioner-approved courses qualifying toward the requirement.

• Establishes licensing fees ranging from $20-$100 for initial applications and renewals, plus examination and appointment fees, with deposits to the Insurance Department Fund.

• Authorizes the Commissioner of Insurance to conduct criminal background checks via fingerprints submitted to state and federal databases, and to place license holders on probation, suspend, or revoke licenses for fraud, misrepresentation, felony convictions, or other violations of insurance law.

• Effective date: January 1, 2013, with provisions allowing delayed enforcement of examination, continuing education, and fingerprinting requirements for up to 24 months to allow implementation.