HB685 Alabama 2015 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Mike Hill

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2015

Title

Bail bonds, regulation of further provided for, Professional Bail Bonding Board created, licensure of bondsmen and recovery agents, continuing education, Alabama Bail Bond Regulatory Act

Summary

HB685 would create a state-regulated system for bail bonds, requiring bondsmen and recovery agents to register, obtain licenses, and follow training and ethics rules through a new Alabama Professional Bail Bonding Board.

What This Bill Does

HB685 would create the Alabama Professional Bail Bonding Board to license and regulate professional bondsmen, professional surety bondsmen, and recovery agents. It would require everyone in these roles to register with the board, pass a board-approved exam, meet age and character requirements, and complete ongoing education. It would allow the board to suspend or revoke licenses for fraud, misrepresentation, or other violations, and impose civil penalties for false statements. It would establish a dedicated fund to pay for board operations, set fee caps for exams and continuing education, and require mandatory training and identification for licensees.

Who It Affects

• Professional bondsmen, professional surety bondsmen, and recovery agents would be required to register with the board, obtain and maintain a license, pass examinations, complete continuing education, and carry an identification card; they could face penalties or license actions for violations or false statements.
• Educational providers and testing entities that offer the 12-hour initial training course, board-approved exams, and ongoing continuing education would be affected by the need for board approval, fee caps, reporting requirements, and annual credentialing processes.

Key Provisions

• Creation of the Alabama Professional Bail Bonding Board and Fund; licensing and regulation of bondsmen, surety bondsmen, and recovery agents; governance, examinations, continuing education, and penalties for violations.
• Training and education requirements for licensure and renewal: 12-hour initial course for new entrants after January 1, 2016; eight hours of continuing education annually; defined fees; identification cards; and related administrative rules.

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 Bonds