Senate Bill No. [insert bill number] aims to revise laws related to surety bail bond insurance by reverting certain statutory language to the requirements that existed prior to 2023. The bill amends several sections of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA), specifically sections 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 and the clarification that a surety company, rather than a licensed surety bail bond insurance producer, may arrest and surrender a defendant.

Additionally, the bill introduces new provisions that allow for the surrender of a defendant by a surety company if they feel insecure in accepting liability. It also mandates that the commissioner of insurance adopt rules regarding surety insurers, including the management of collateral and the reporting of forfeitures. The repealed sections pertained to special qualifications and training for surety bail bond insurance licenses, as well as the authority of surety bail bond insurance producers to make arrests. Overall, the bill seeks to streamline and clarify the regulatory framework 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: 33-17-212, 33-26-108, 46-9-401, 46-9-510