HB 1257 - Bail Bonds Summary

• Reduces bail bond agency ownership requirements from 4 years as a licensed bail bond agent to completion of 1-year temporary period plus full licensure as limited surety or professional bail bond agent.

• Requires primary bail bond agents to have 2 years continuous full-time experience (at least 30 hours per week) as licensed limited surety agents and establishes qualifications for bail bond applicants including age 18+, high school diploma, and either an associate degree or 2 years law enforcement/military experience.

• Prohibits bail bond agent solicitation in residences, jails, prisons, courts, and other detention facilities; requires internet advertisements to prominently display physical address on front page; first violation results in fine up to $10,000 and 6-month license suspension, second violation results in fine up to $10,000 and license revocation.

• Establishes that defendant arrest for criminal offense (other than minor traffic violation) or commission of pretrial condition violation while on bond constitutes breach of bail bond conditions and breach of bail bond agent's obligation.

• Modifies bond forfeiture discharge requirements and remission conditions, including removing adverse economic consequences as grounds for discharge and deleting a condition related to defendant apprehension within 90 days.

• Effective date: July 1, 2015.