SB319 Alabama 2013 Session

Updated Feb 25, 2026

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Tom Whatley
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2013
Title: Professional Bondsman, certification and examination of required, continuing education required, fees, disbursement of fees, suspension
Summary: SB319 would require professional bondsmen to be certified through a 20-hour course and exam, complete 12 hours of annual continuing education, pay capped fees, and face suspension for noncompliance.
What This Bill Does
It requires professional bondsmen to complete a 20-hour introductory course and pass an exam before serving as a bondsman. It imposes 12 hours of continuing education each year and requires proof of completion to be submitted to the appropriate bail-bond issuing authority by December 31. It sets fee caps for the initial course/exam and for continuing education, and describes how those fees are distributed. It allows suspension of a bondsman who does not comply until requirements are met, with the act taking effect on the first day of the third month after passage.

Who It Affects
Professional bondsmen and their employers (professional surety companies or professional bail companies) who must complete the certification process, annual continuing education, and pay the associated fees, with potential suspension for noncompliance.
Local bail bond issuing authorities (courts, sheriffs, judges, and other officials) who receive the annual continuing education certificates and oversee certification within their jurisdictions.
The statewide association representing bail bond professionals, which would develop and administer the 20-hour course, the exam, and the continuing education.
State and local funds (Judicial Administrative Fund, Circuit Clerk's Fund, and the Alabama Sheriff's Association) that receive portions of the fees collected for course, exam, and continuing education.

Key Provisions
Certification and continuing education requirements for professional bondsmen: a 20-hour initial course and exam before serving, followed by 12 hours of continuing education annually, with proof submitted by December 31 and suspension for noncompliance.
Fee caps and distribution: the initial course/test and the annual continuing education may each cost up to $500, with collected fees distributed 85% to the administering association and 5% each to the Judicial Administrative Fund, the Circuit Clerk's Fund, and the Alabama Sheriff's Association.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 25, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Crimes and Offenses