MS SB2596

Increases the qualification bond requirement for professional bail agents to $30,000 for the county where their principal place of business is located, with an additional $100,000 bond required to issue bonds in multiple counties (up to $1,000,000 maximum for insurance companies).

Exempts professional bail agents with 10 or more cumulative years of experience as of July 1, 2018 from posting additional bonds for multiple counties; other multi-county agents must increase their bond by $20,000 increments upon renewal until reaching $130,000 total.

Prohibits using Bail Bond Database information to restrict the amount of bonds a professional bail agent may have outstanding until the database is certified as reliable and accurate by the Insurance Commissioner.

Requires courts to have access to and participate in a uniform court filing system that allows reliable access and accurate entry of information into the Bail Bond Database before it can be used for restrictions.

Removes the repeal clause from Chapter 446, Laws of 2016, making the related provisions permanent rather than expiring on July 1, 2018.