SB236 Alabama 2014 Session

Under existing law, bail bondsmen are required to be approved as either a professional surety company or professional bail company by the Department of Insurance and be approved by the presiding circuit judge of each county in which they desire to operate

This bill would require professional bondsmen and recovery agents to attend a 20-hour instructional course and pass an examination developed and administered by the Department of Insurance, would also require professional bondsmen and recovery agents to complete 12 hours of continuing education each year, and would require certificates of examination or continuing education issued by the Department of Insurance to be filed with the presiding circuit judge

To amend Sections 15-13-159 and 15-13-160, Code of Alabama 1975, relating to professional bondsmen; to require under certain conditions certificates of examination or continuing education issued by the Department of Revenue to be filed with the presiding circuit judge prior to the judge's issuance or renewal of an order authorizing a professional surety company to become a surety on bail; to add Section 15-13-160.1 to the Code of Alabama 1975, to require professional bondsmen and recovery agents to complete an initial instructional course and pass an examination prior to serving as a professional bondsman or recovery agent; to require continuing education; and to provide for fees.