SB236 Alabama 2014 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

J.T. WaggonerSenator

Republican

Co-Sponsors

Rodger SmithermanMark Slade BlackwellRoger Bedford, Jr.Clay ScofieldPaul BussmanTom WhatleyGeorge M. “Marc” Keahey

Session

Regular Session 2014

Title

Insurance Department, bail bond surety companies, examination and continuing education requirements, fees, Sec 15-13-160.1 added; Secs. 15-13-159, 15-13-160 am'd.

Summary

SB236 would require bail bond professionals to complete training, pass examinations, maintain ongoing education, and file certification with courts, creating a broader regulatory framework for bail bonds in Alabama.

What This Bill Does

New professional bondsmen and recovery agents must complete a 20-hour training course and pass a Department of Insurance exam before operating, and they must complete 12 hours of continuing education each year. Certificates of exam and continuing education must be filed with the presiding circuit judge. The bill adds a new section with definitions and sets a fee schedule and oversight, including exemptions for those in business before February 1, 2015 and for licensees who already met the training requirements.

Who It Affects

• Professional bondsmen and recovery agents: must complete the initial 20-hour course, pass the exam before working, and maintain 12 hours of continuing education annually; must obtain and file certificates with the circuit judge; are subject to new credentialing fees.
• Professional bail companies and professional surety companies: must ensure their agents meet training and education requirements, file annual documents with circuit judges (including exam/CE certificates, powers of attorney, license proofs, and ethical/financial disclosures), and comply with new fee structures.

Key Provisions

• Adds Section 15-13-160.1 defining Professional Bondsman and Recovery Agent and requires a 20-hour initial training course and Department of Insurance exam for new entrants, plus 12 hours of annual continuing education.
• New entrants after February 1, 2015 must complete the initial 20-hour course and pass the exam; those in business before that date are exempt from the initial course and exam; those licensed for bail bond authority via prior training are deemed compliant.
• Annual filings by professional surety and bail companies must include exam or CE certificates and other documentation (powers of attorney, agent licenses, financial disclosures, and attestations of conduct) to support authorization to operate.
• Establishes a fee schedule: $125 examination fee per attempt; $50 annual CE renewal certificate; $300 course provider initial filing; $100 course provider renewal; $50 course approval filing; and caps on course costs ($500 for the 20-hour course and $75 per CE hour). All fees go to the Insurance Department Fund.
• Course providers must be approved by the Department of Insurance and may be Alabama Bail Agents Association or other approved providers; the Department may contract with testing services for exam administration.
• Effective date: June 1, 2014.

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

Subjects

Insurance Department