This bill aims to revise laws related to surety bail bond insurance in Montana by reverting certain statutory language to the requirements that existed prior to 2023. Key amendments include changes to the examination requirements for individuals applying for a license to sell various types of insurance, including the removal of "surety bail bond insurance" from the list of insurance types that require examination. Additionally, the bill clarifies that the commissioner of insurance may adopt rules regarding surety insurers who sell commercial bail bonds, specifically addressing the receipt and return of collateral and the reporting of forfeitures.

Furthermore, the bill introduces new provisions that allow sureties to surrender defendants if they feel insecure in accepting liability, and it modifies the process for surrendering defendants by removing the requirement for a licensed surety bail bond insurance producer to be involved in the arrest and surrender process. The bill also repeals several sections of the Montana Code Annotated that pertain to special qualifications and training for surety bail bond insurance licenses, as well as the arrest authority of surety bail bond insurance producers.

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