SB249 Alabama 2014 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Jimmy Holley

Republican

Co-Sponsors

Rusty GloverHarri Anne SmithGeorge M. “Marc” KeaheyJerry L. FieldingGerald H. AllenGreg J. ReedBill HightowerTammy IronsGerald O. DialWilliam “Bill” M. Beasley

Session

Regular Session 2014

Title

Professional Bondsman, certification and examination of required, continuing education required, fees, disbursement of fees, suspension

Summary

SB249 would require professional bondsmen to complete a 12-hour training and pass a test before working, plus eight hours of continuing education each year, with certified education providers and fee limits and the possibility of suspension for noncompliance.

What This Bill Does

If enacted, professional bondsmen must finish a 12-hour instructional course and pass an exam before soliciting or issuing bonds. They must complete eight hours of continuing education annually and file proof of completion with the appropriate bail-bond issuing authority. The bill allows the Commissioner of Insurance to certify organizations that run these education programs, may require dues to fund the programs, and sets maximum fees for the initial course, the exam, and the ongoing education. It also lets authorities suspend a bondsman’s ability to work until all requirements are met and establishes oversight and auditing of the education funding and programs.

Who It Affects

• Professional bondsmen or agents: must complete the initial course and exam, do yearly CE, may be suspended for noncompliance, and must submit CE certificates.
• Professional bail and surety companies: must ensure their bondsmen meet training and continuing education requirements.
• Education organizations/associations: may apply for state certification to conduct courses and may be required to levy dues to fund the programs.
• State regulators and agencies: the Commissioner of Insurance certifies providers, collects or oversees funding, adopts rules, and the Department of Examiners of Public Accounts audits the related funds.

Key Provisions

• A professional bondsman must take a 12-hour instructional course and pass an introductory test before acting as a bondsman; a certificate of completion is issued by the association.
• Professional bondsmen must complete eight hours of continuing education each year and obtain a certificate of completion.
• Bondsmen must submit their CE certificates to the relevant bail-bond issuing authority by January 31 each year.
• Failure to comply triggers suspension from acting as a bondsman until proof of compliance is provided.
• Organizations or associations can be certified by the Commissioner of Insurance to conduct courses or CE programs for bondsmen, if they meet statewide representation requirements.
• Certified organizations may levy dues or assessments to fund education programs; up to 15% of these funds may be remitted to the Commissioner to help cover administration costs.
• The costs for the 12-hour course and test cannot exceed $500; the annual 8-hour CE course cannot exceed $500.
• The Act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after it is enacted.

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

Subjects

Crimes and Offenses