HB565 - Alabama Bail Bond Regulatory Act Summary

• Creates the Alabama Professional Bail Bonding Board consisting of 7 professional bondsmen (one from each congressional district), one district or municipal court judge, and one circuit or municipal court clerk to regulate professional bondsmen and recovery agents.

• Requires professional bondsmen and recovery agents to obtain a valid license from the board; unlicensed individuals cannot hold themselves out as bondsmen or operate as recovery agents, with violations constituting a Class A misdemeanor.

• Establishes licensure qualifications including minimum age of 21, mental competency, no conviction of crimes of moral turpitude or felonies, and application requirements including criminal history disclosure.

• Mandates completion of a 12-hour instructional course and examination for new bondsmen commencing business on or after June 1, 2020; requires 8 hours of annual continuing education (reduced to 4 hours for owners 55+ with 10+ years experience) for existing licensees.

• Authorizes board to suspend or revoke licenses for violations, fraud, material misstatements, or felony/Class A misdemeanor convictions; establishes civil penalties up to $1,000 for false statements to the board; creates the Alabama Bail Bond Board Fund to support board operations.