House Bill 714 Summary

• Clarifies that bail bonds can only be forfeited for failure to appear in court, not for any other reason.

• Requires courts to notify sureties of bond forfeiture within 10 working days by personal service or certified mail, with failure to do so constituting prima facie evidence the order should be set aside.

• Mandates felony warrants for nonappearance be entered into the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) until the defendant is returned to custody.

• Establishes a 90-day judgment nisi period during which forfeiture can be set aside if the defendant appears or is arrested; execution on final judgment is automatically stayed for 90 days to allow defendant to appear.

• Provides for refund of bail (minus reasonable extradition costs) within 18 months if the defendant appears, is arrested, surrendered, or found incarcerated in another jurisdiction.