HB 771 - Bail Bond Agencies and Agents

• Requires temporary bail bond agent licenses to expire 18 months after issuance and prohibits reissuance within 2 years of expiration, suspension, revocation, or termination.

• Mandates that persons or entities owning a bail bond agency must have been licensed and appointed as a bail bond agent for at least 3 years, with immediate suspension if non-compliant.

• Increases delinquent fees for failing to timely notify the department of appointments from $250 to $1,000, and establishes specific premium collection requirements with at least 50% due before posting a bond.

• Requires primary bail bond agents in charge at each agency location to supervise employees, conduct annual background checks, and prohibits bail bond agents from aiding unlicensed persons in apprehending defendants.

• Increases administrative penalties for various violations from $5,000 to $10,000, increases civil assessments for improper solicitation from $5,000 to $10,000, and increases collateral violation penalties to 10 times the collateral amount.