The bill HB302 Engrossed amends the Code of Alabama 1975 to enhance the regulation of professional bail bonding companies and bondsmen. Key provisions include the requirement for an original qualifying power of attorney document from a professional surety company to be attached to all bail bond forms, and that professional surety bondsmen must be licensed for a minimum of three years before owning their own surety company. The bill also mandates that circuit clerks report authorized professional bail bond companies within 30 days of annual recertification and restricts professional bail companies to guaranteeing court payments only through escrow agreements. Additionally, it introduces a new apprentice category for individuals working under licensed professionals, with specific requirements for those aged 19 or 20.

Further amendments include the establishment of the Alabama Professional Bail Bonding Board, which will oversee licensing and regulation, and the introduction of continuing education requirements for professional bondsmen. The bill increases the required corporate surety bond or escrow agreement from $25,000 to $100,000, and it specifies that any new agreements made after October 1, 2026, in counties with populations of 200,000 or more must adhere to this increased amount. The bill also emphasizes diversity in the board's composition, introduces late fees for renewal applications, and outlines criteria for individual applicants, including age and residency requirements. Overall, HB302 aims to modernize the bail bonding industry in Alabama while ensuring compliance and public safety.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 15-13-159, 15-13-160, 15-13-201, 15-13-202, 15-13-203, 15-13-205, 15-13-210, 15-13-211, 15-13-217
Engrossed: 15-13-112, 15-13-159, 15-13-160, 15-13-201, 15-13-202, 15-13-203, 15-13-205, 15-13-210, 15-13-211, 15-13-217