CA SB898

Requires surety insurers transacting bail in California to report quarterly to the Insurance Commissioner, Judicial Council, and Attorney General on bail bonds written, premiums collected, appointed bail agents, disciplinary actions, and forfeitures, with details itemized by county and agent.

Requires bail licensees to post bail contract terms and conditions on their websites in English, Spanish, Chinese, Tagalog, Vietnamese, and Korean, effective January 1, 2020.

Mandates bail licensees provide arrestees with bail contracts and supporting documents in plain English and, upon request, in Spanish, Chinese, Tagalog, Vietnamese, or Korean before negotiating contracts.

Requires English versions of bail contracts to be designated as the official version, with translated documents containing disclosure statements in both languages stating the English version is official.

Makes insurers subject to unfair and deceptive practices penalties for knowingly misrepresenting information in non-English languages, and requires bail agent license applicants to file copies of contracts with surety insurers and provide updated agreements if contracts are amended.