SB350 Alabama 2015 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Jimmy Holley

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2015

Title

Bail bondsmen and agents, licensure by Department of Insurance, certification exam and continuing education requirements

Summary

SB350 would require bail bonds professionals to be licensed by the Department of Insurance and to complete a state-run training and ongoing education program.

What This Bill Does

It would prohibit acting as a professional bail agent, soliciting bail agent, bail enforcement agent, or professional bondsman unless licensed by the Department of Insurance. It would require professional bondsmen and recovery agents to complete a 12-hour initial instructional course and pass a department-approved exam, with eight hours of continuing education required each year. It would establish licensure rules, enforcement authority, and fee provisions, including a cap on CE costs and certification requirements for license renewal.

Who It Affects

• Professional bail agents, bondsmen, professional bail companies, bail enforcement agents, and recovery agents in Alabama would need to obtain a license, take the required training, pass the exam, and complete annual continuing education.
• The Alabama Department of Insurance and approved continuing education providers would administer licensure, training, and CE programs and enforce compliance, including issuing certificates and managing fines.

Key Provisions

• Requires licensing of professional bail agents, bail companies, professional surety companies, and bail enforcement agents by the Department of Insurance; prohibits operating in those roles without a license.
• License applications must include detailed personal information, fingerprints, background check results, and a statement confirming no felony/moral turpitude issues and age of at least 21; prohibits licensing for those with felony convictions or under 21.
• Before serving as a professional bondsman or recovery agent, new entrants (those starting after Feb 1, 2016) must complete a 12-hour department-approved instructional course and pass an exam; those already in business before Feb 1, 2016 are exempt from the initial course.
• Professionals must complete eight hours of continuing education per 12-month period starting in 2016, with certificates filed for license renewal showing course details.
• The Department of Insurance is given enforcement and rulemaking authority, including imposing fines to support agency operations.
• Continuing education providers must be state-certified, offer a minimum of eight hours of CE regularly, and may subcontract classes; providers cannot charge more than $500 annually for eight hours of CE.
• Licenses expire annually on the last day of February and may be revoked or suspended; special rules govern license transfers or terminations if debts or premiums are owed to the current employer.
• The act defines key terms (professional bail agent, professional bondsman, professional surety company, bail enforcement agent, recovery agent) to clarify who is regulated under the bill.
• The act becomes effective June 1, 2015, with certain provisions (like the initial course) taking effect in 2016.

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