SB212 Alabama 2020 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Jack W. WilliamsSenator

Republican

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

SB212 amends Alabama's Bail Bond Regulatory Act to revise board qualifications, add temporary licenses, require an exam and ongoing education, and cap board fees.

What This Bill Does

It updates definitions and how the Alabama Professional Bail Bonding Board is staffed. It lets the board issue temporary 90-day licenses to qualified applicants who haven't yet passed the licensure exam and allows hiring of legal counsel. It requires applicants to pass a pre-licensing exam, complete continuing education, and meet eligibility standards to become licensed. It caps and clarifies fees the board can charge and confirms that application and renewal fees apply to all license types under the act.

Who It Affects

• Professional bondsmen and professional bail companies: new licensing requirements, exams, continuing education, and potential fee limits.
• Professional surety bondsmen and professional surety companies: subject to the same licensing, exam, CE, and fee rules.
• Recovery agents: included in licensing, education, and fee structures.
• Applicants seeking licensure: must meet criteria, possibly receive a temporary license, and pass exams.
• Educational providers and approved course vendors: must offer the required pre-licensing and continuing education courses and be approved by the board.
• The Alabama Bail Bonding Board and related state agencies: given new authority to hire counsel, set rules, manage funds, and enforce ethics.

Key Provisions

• Board composition and qualifications: defines the board's members (seven professional bondsmen from the state's congressional districts, plus a district/court judge and a clerk), terms, diversity requirements, and initial term rules.
• Licensing process and fees: authorizes temporary licenses, requires a pre-licensing exam and continuing education, establishes fee schedules and caps, and creates the Alabama Bail Bond Board Fund to manage and spend license-related money.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 23, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Bail Bonds