SB155 Alabama 2014 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

J.T. WaggonerSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2014

Title

Professional bondsmen and recovery agents, initial certification by examination developed by Insurance Department required, continuing education required, penalties for noncompliance

Summary

SB155 would require professional bondsmen and recovery agents to obtain initial certification through a 12-hour course and exam, complete annual continuing education, and maintain ongoing certification with penalties for noncompliance.

What This Bill Does

New professional bondsmen and recovery agents must complete a 12-hour course and pass an exam within 90 days of starting business. After that, they must complete eight hours of continuing education each year and obtain annual certification from the Alabama Department of Insurance. The bill also sets cost caps and who can provide education, and it provides for suspension if requirements are not met; existing practitioners are exempt from the initial course but must meet continuing education and sanctions, and must retake the initial course and exam if renewing after a 12-month lapse.

Who It Affects

• New applicants to become professional bondsmen or recovery agents in Alabama: must take the 12-hour course, pass the exam, obtain certification, complete annual continuing education, and pay related fees.
• Existing professional bondsmen and recovery agents already in business as of the bill’s effective date: not required to take the initial 12-hour course but must comply with continuing education, face sanctions for noncompliance, and may be required to retake the initial course and exam if renewing after a 12-month lapse.

Key Provisions

• Requires a 12-hour initial instructional course and a department-developed exam within 90 days of starting business as a professional bondsman or recovery agent.
• Requires eight hours of continuing education each year and annual certification by the Alabama Department of Insurance; continuing education may be conducted by the Alabama Bail Agents Association or an approved provider.
• Sets cost caps: initial course up to $500; annual continuing education plus renewal fees up to $500; application/test/initial certificate up to $125; and lists the Alabama Bail Agents Association as not to be involved in certification.
• Provides for suspension of the right to act as a professional bondsman or recovery agent for noncompliance until requirements are met.
• Exempts existing bondsmen/recovery agents from the initial course but requires ongoing CE and adherence to sanctions; if certification is not renewed within 12 months, the individual must retake the initial course and exam and remain suspended during renewal.
• Effective date: the act becomes law on the first day of the third month after passage and approval.
• Authorizes the costs and oversight to be handled by the Alabama Department of Insurance and related entities as described in the bill.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Bail Bondsmen