SB349 Summary

• Revises bail bond procedures by extending response time for bail forfeiture from 28 days to 180 days and extending the judgment nisi period from 90 days to 180 days after conditional forfeiture orders.

• Requires bail enforcement agents to report to the county sheriff before searching for fugitives to confirm licensure status, with violations punishable by a fine up to $1,000.

• Allows professional bail companies to place $100,000 cash deposits with the Commissioner of Insurance instead of traditional corporate surety bonds or escrow agreements, and requires these companies to obtain licensure from the Commissioner of Insurance.

• Establishes automatic revocation of professional surety company authority by the Department of Insurance if final judgments are not set aside within 30 days, with mandatory notification to sheriffs and courts.

• Modifies bail forfeiture remittance requirements, directing courts to hold forfeited funds for 180 days before remitting to the General Fund and requiring the state to remit one-half of collected funds to the county where charges were filed for jail maintenance and operation.