MS SB2677

Requires all new bail agent license applicants after July 1, 2014 to pass a limited examination by the department, except those transferring between license types who have held a license within 90 days.

Prohibits employees and contractors of jails, corrections facilities, police departments, and sheriffs' departments from obtaining bail agent licenses, and prohibits relatives of law enforcement and judicial officials from writing bonds in their relative's jurisdiction.

Adds grounds for license denial, suspension, or revocation including use of unauthorized trade names and issuance of bonds containing misleading information about service of legal documents.

Creates new felony offenses for licensed bail agents who provide anything of value to law enforcement, judicial officials, inmates, or facility employees to solicit business referrals, punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment and/or $50,000 fine.

Requires courts to notify the department of bail bonds containing misleading information about service of writs, and establishes administrative fines up to $1,000 per violation in addition to criminal penalties.