NY S08144

Changes superintendent's discretion to issue bail bond agent licenses to a mandatory requirement if applicants meet all licensure requirements under the section.

Requires all applicants for licensure and license renewal to submit fingerprints for state criminal history record checks and potential federal background checks.

Mandates completion of a 24-hour pre-licensing classroom course covering insurance law, criminal procedure, bond posting procedures, bail contracts, court practices, forfeiture statutes, and Department of Financial Services regulations.

Establishes a minimum examination score requirement of 75 percent on the written competency test, replacing the previous "to the satisfaction of the superintendent" standard.

Requires 12 hours of continuing instruction during the two-year license renewal period to update knowledge on materials covered in the initial pre-licensing course.