HB324 Alabama 2020 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Chris EnglandRepresentative

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2020

Title

Bail Bond Regulatory Act, qualifications of Professional Bail Bonding Board and fees revised, temporary licenses provided, Secs. 15-13-201, 15-13-202, 15-13-203, 15-13-206, 15-13-207, 15-13-210, 15-13-211, 15-13-214, 15-13-217 am'd.

Summary

HB324 would reform Alabama's Bail Bond Regulatory Act by updating board qualifications, adding temporary licenses, expanding education and examination requirements, and tightening fee rules for bail industry licensees.

What This Bill Does

The bill adds clear definitions and qualifications for the Alabama Professional Bail Bonding Board, allows the board to issue 90-day temporary licenses, and lets it hire legal counsel. It requires licensure applicants to pass an exam (with exceptions) and imposes ongoing education requirements, while giving the board the authority to cap and manage fees. It creates a dedicated fund for the board and requires all licensees to pay application and renewal fees, plus sets training standards and penalties for false statements or noncompliance.

Who It Affects

• License applicants and current licensees (professional bondsmen, professional bail companies, professional surety bondsmen, professional surety companies, and recovery agents): new licensure paths, temporary licensure options, mandatory exams and continuing education, fee changes, and potential penalties or exemptions based on prior status or age/experience.
• The Alabama Professional Bail Bonding Board and state administration: expanded power to set rules, hire counsel, manage a dedicated fund, approve training providers, and enforce the new standards and fee structure.

Key Provisions

• Redefines terms and qualifications for board members, including seven professional bondsmen from each congressional district and additional judicial/clerical positions, with terms and diversity requirements.
• Allows the board to issue temporary licenses (expires 90 days) to qualified applicants who have not yet passed the licensure examination.
• Authorizes the board to hire legal counsel and mandates that the Attorney General provide legal services when requested.
• Requires all licensure applicants to pass a board-approved pre-licensing examination, with exemptions as provided in the act.
• Authorizes the board to limit the maximum amounts of fees it may establish and charge; clarifies that application and renewal fees apply to all license types.
• Creates the Alabama Bail Bond Board Fund in the State Treasury; deposits all fees and funds into this fund and limits expenditures to board operations and approved costs.
• Implements a 12-hour initial instructional course and exam for new licensees (starting June 1, 2020), with exemptions for those already doing business before that date; mandates eight hours of annual continuing education unless exempted.
• Sets cost controls for courses: up to $500 for the 12-hour course and up to $75 per CE hour; requires reporting of CE completion and permits certain fees to be added by course providers.
• Establishes renewal requirements and deadlines (renewal by November 1 each year) with penalties for late renewal and re-entry requirements if a license lapses for 12 months.
• Imposes civil penalties for false statements to the board (up to $1,000 plus the maximum exam fee).
• Confidential handling of licensure applications; penalties and procedures for violations and noncompliance.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Bail Bonds