SB204 Summary

• Authorizes the Alabama Professional Bail Bonding Board to issue apprentice licenses valid for 120 days to qualified applicants who meet all criteria except passing the examination, with a maximum fee of $50.

• Increases pre-licensure instructional course requirement from 12 hours to 16 hours and allows the board to employ legal counsel when deemed necessary.

• Increases maximum board-established fees: application fees up to $500 (from $125), continuing education renewal fees up to $500 (from $50), and company renewal fees up to $100.

• Changes violation penalty from Class A misdemeanor to Class D felony for willful violations of the article or board rules and orders.

• Modifies board member qualifications to require at least one professional bondsman member to be a bail company owner with 5 years experience (reduced from 10 years) and adjusts continuing education exemption threshold to 65 years of age with 15 years experience (increased from 60/10 years).