HB324 Summary

• Amends the Alabama Bail Bond Regulatory Act to require all applicants for professional bondsman licenses to pass an examination before licensure, with exemptions allowed by the board.

• Authorizes the Alabama Professional Bail Bonding Board to issue temporary licenses valid for 90 days to qualified applicants who meet all criteria except passing the examination.

• Allows the board to employ legal counsel when deemed necessary, with compensation fixed by the board and paid from board funds.

• Limits maximum fees the board may establish: application fees up to $500 for bondsmen/recovery agents and $500 for bail companies; annual renewal fees up to $500 for individuals and $500 for companies.

• Increases the required instructional course from 12 hours to 16 hours for new applicants and clarifies that application and renewal fees apply to all licensees including professional bail bondsmen, surety bondsmen, bail companies, surety companies, and recovery agents.