SB212 Summary

• Amends the Alabama Bail Bond Regulatory Act to clarify definitions of professional bail companies, bondsmen, surety companies, and recovery agents.

• Authorizes the Alabama Professional Bail Bonding Board to issue temporary licenses (valid 90 days) to applicants meeting all criteria except passing the required examination.

• Requires all applicants to pass an examination before regular licensure and increases the initial instructional course requirement from 12 hours to 16 hours.

• Authorizes the board to employ legal counsel at board-fixed compensation and establishes maximum fee caps: $500 for application/exam fees and $500 for annual renewal fees for all licensee types.

• Revises continuing education exemptions, raising age requirement from 60 to 65 years and experience requirement from 10 to 15 years for professional bail company owners seeking exemption.