HB466 Alabama 2021 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Chris EnglandRepresentative

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2021

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, 15-13-209, 15-13-210, 15-13-211, 15-13-214, 15-13-217 am'd.

Summary

HB466 overhauls Alabama's Bail Bond Regulatory Act by tightening board qualifications, adding apprentice licenses, enabling board hiring of counsel, expanding education and licensing requirements, and capping fees.

What This Bill Does

The bill updates definitions and who can be on the Alabama Professional Bail Bonding Board, adds an apprentice licensing option, and allows the board to hire legal counsel. It strengthens enforcement by prohibiting unlicensed practice and imposing criminal penalties, and requires pre-licensing education and ongoing continuing education for licensees. It limits the board's fees, clarifies that application and renewal fees apply to all license types, creates a dedicated board fund, and sets an effective date; it also notes a local-funds expenditure exemption under the state constitution.

Who It Affects

• Professional bondsmen, professional bail companies, professional surety bondsmen, professional surety companies, and recovery agents will face new definitions, licensing requirements, apprenticeship options, education mandates, ongoing continuing education, and updated fee structures.
• Applicants seeking initial licensure and current licensees must meet age and conduct requirements, pass or obtain an apprenticeship, complete required education, renew licenses with ongoing CE, and pay associated fees.

Key Provisions

• §15-13-201 defines key terms including BOARD, PROFESSIONAL BAIL COMPANY, PROFESSIONAL BONDSMAN, PROFESSIONAL SURETY BONDSMAN, and RECOVERY AGENT.
• §15-13-202 requires licensure to practice, allows an apprentice license (expires after 120 days) with a fee cap of $50, and sets exam and continuing education requirements.
• §15-13-203 creates the Alabama Professional Bail Bonding Board with seven professional bondsmen (one from each congressional district), a judge, and a clerk; outlines appointment process, four-year terms, and diversity considerations.
• §15-13-206 establishes the Alabama Bail Bond Board Fund to hold all fees and fines and to pay board expenses and compensation.
• §15-13-207 authorizes the board to adopt rules, ethics standards, hire personnel, and obtain legal counsel (with AG services or board employment).
• §15-13-209 prohibits acting as a bondsman or recovery agent without a license and imposes Class A misdemeanor or Class C felony penalties for violations.
• §15-13-210 requires confidential handling of applications and provides annual renewal reminders to licensees.
• §15-13-211 sets licensure criteria (age, no disqualifying mental incompetence, no felonies or moral turpitude violations, and required pre-licensure education).
• §15-13-214 makes false statements to the board punishable by civil penalties up to $1,000 and the maximum application fee.
• §15-13-217 outlines pre-licensing (12-hour course and exam for new entrants, with some exemptions) and continuing education (8 hours annually, with certain exemptions), course/provider rules, and fee caps for exams, initial licenses, CE certificates, and renewals; details on annual renewal compliance and penalties are included.
• Section 2 notes the bill is exempt from local-expenditure vote requirements due to constitutional exceptions, as it defines new or amended crimes.
• Section 3 specifies the act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.

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