DE HB151

Requires all bail agents to be Delaware residents, with residency established by maintaining a principal place of business in the state; nonresident agents must establish residency and pass the Delaware examination when renewing licenses.

Mandates criminal background checks from both the FBI and Delaware State Police for initial applications and biennial renewals, and requires disclosure of any person with 10% or greater financial interest in a bail agent's business or bail bond.

Establishes minimum charges of 7% for surety bail bonds (with total filed premium between 10-12% for bonds over $1,000) and 20% for cash bail, requiring written contracts signed by all parties before posting bonds.

Creates a Class F felony for unlicensed persons acting as bail agents, and expands the Commissioner's authority to impose sanctions on bail agents consistent with those available for other insurance producers.

Requires bail agents to maintain detailed daily bond registers and individual principal files, restricts use of trade names to no more than two per agent, and prohibits advertisements using terms like "discounted" rates or implying government connections.