AL HB302

Requires professional surety bondsmen to be licensed for at least 3 years before owning their own professional surety company; allows sale to unlicensed individuals upon owner's death or incapacitation with 90 days to obtain licensure

Increases escrow agreement requirements for professional bail companies from $25,000 to $100,000 effective October 1, 2026, and eliminates corporate surety bonds as an alternative

Extends apprentice license validity from 120 to 180 days and requires 19-20 year old apprentices to complete an 8-hour continuing education course before expiration

Adds two new members to the Alabama Bail Bonding Board: one serving sheriff nominated by the Alabama Sheriff's Association and one lay person nominated by the Alabama Bail Bond Association

Imposes $125 late fee for renewal applications submitted after September 30 deadline and requires license applicants to demonstrate at least one year of Alabama residency