NC H649

Creates new grounds for denial, suspension, probation, revocation, or nonrenewal of bail bondsman licenses, including fraudulent or coercive practices, dishonesty, breach of trust, incompetence, untrustworthiness, financial irresponsibility, and violations of bail bonding laws in any jurisdiction.

Adds new licensure violation grounds including denial or revocation of professional licenses in other jurisdictions for similar causes, violations of Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) rules, failure to comply with child support orders, failure to pay state income taxes, and forging names on bail bond documents.

Allows bail agents acting on behalf of insurance companies to file written motions to set aside bail forfeitures and seek relief from final judgments of bail forfeiture, in addition to defendants, sureties, professional bondsmen, and runners.

Establishes that surety companies are not required to return premium payments when a defendant's bond is reduced after an agreement is entered into.

Permits licensed professional bondsmen to transfer their business to another licensed professional bondsman, including transfer of pledged cash and securities held with the Commissioner as security.