FL H0361

Amends section 903.045 to establish that a bail bond agent's obligation is to ensure defendant appearance at all subsequent criminal proceedings for which the bond is posted, with any defendant failure to appear or breach of bond conditions constituting a breach by the bail bond agent.

Modifies section 903.26 to change forfeiture triggers from "failure to appear" to "failure of the defendant to appear as required" and establishes a 60-day payment deadline after notice of forfeiture.

Specifies in section 903.26 that forfeiture may be discharged when defendant appears within 60 days after required appearance, is arrested and in custody, or state fails to seek extradition within 30 days of surety's request.

Amends section 903.31 to clarify that bond cancellation provisions do not apply if forfeiture is declared within 36 months of posting and explicitly states that original appearance bonds do not guarantee placement in court-ordered programs.

Requires bonds to be canceled if no formal charges are brought within 365 days after arrest, unless the state shows good cause.

Effective date: July 1, 2017.