Senate Bill No. [insert bill number] aims to revise laws related to surety bail bond insurance by reverting certain statutory language to pre-2023 requirements. The bill amends several sections of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA), specifically 33-17-212, 33-26-108, 46-9-401, and 46-9-510, while also repealing sections 33-17-1601, 33-17-1602, and 46-6-508. Key amendments include the removal of surety bail bond insurance from the examination requirements for insurance producers, the deletion of provisions related to the arrest and surrender of defendants by surety bail bond insurance producers, and the introduction of new language clarifying that a surety may surrender a defendant if they feel insecure in accepting liability.

The bill also modifies the rulemaking authority for surety insurers, allowing the commissioner to adopt rules regarding the receipt and description of collateral, as well as the annual reporting of bond forfeitures. Additionally, it clarifies that bail can be furnished through various means, including commercial surety bonds, and ensures that the bond remains in effect until the final sentence is pronounced. Overall, the bill seeks to streamline and clarify the regulations surrounding surety bail bond insurance in Montana.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 33-17-212, 33-26-108, 46-9-401, 46-9-510
SB0197_1(1): 33-17-212, 33-26-108, 46-9-401, 46-9-510
SB0197_1(2): 33-17-212, 33-26-108, 46-9-401, 46-9-510
SB0197_1(3): 33-17-212, 33-26-108, 46-9-401, 46-9-510
SB0197_1(4): 33-17-212, 33-26-108, 46-9-401, 46-9-510
SB0197_1(5): 33-17-212, 33-26-108, 46-9-401, 46-9-510
SB0197_1: 33-17-212, 33-26-108, 46-9-401, 46-9-510