TN HB0671

Sureties (bondsmen) may petition the court for release from obligations when a principal forfeits bail, requiring a sworn affidavit detailing good faith efforts made to locate the defendant

Courts must hold a hearing on such petitions and may exonerate the bondsman upon finding by preponderance of evidence that good faith efforts were made

Good faith factors courts may consider include records of the principal's contact information, steps taken to track and locate the principal, and any information obtained about the principal's whereabouts

Clerks must require bondsmen to initial each page of a bond order before accepting bail deposits, confirming awareness of all bond conditions imposed on the defendant

Effective July 1, 2025