This bill revises the qualifications and training requirements for obtaining a surety bail bond insurance license in Montana. Key changes include lowering the minimum age requirement from 21 to 18 years, and introducing a new stipulation that applicants must maintain a fixed place of business or be a full-time agent within the state. Additionally, the bill mandates that applicants complete a 16-hour basic training course covering various topics such as constitutional law, rights of individuals in custody, and bail bond ethics. Existing licensed agents are exempt from initial training but must participate in continuing education every two years.

Furthermore, the bill establishes a temporary license valid for up to 12 months, allowing applicants to operate under supervision while completing their training. It also requires surety bail bond producers to disclose any fees or interest collected beyond the minimum premium at the time of contract execution. The bill amends existing sections of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA) to incorporate these changes, ensuring that the licensing process is more rigorous and transparent.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 33-17-1601, 33-17-1602
HB0726_1(1): 33-17-1601, 33-17-1602
HB0726_1(2): 33-17-1601, 33-17-1602
HB0726_1(3): 33-17-1601, 33-17-1602
HB0726_1(4): 33-17-1601, 33-17-1602
HB0726_1(5): 33-17-1601, 33-17-1602
HB0726_1(6): 33-17-1601, 33-17-1602
HB0726_1(7): 33-17-1601, 33-17-1602
HB0726_1(8): 33-17-1601, 33-17-1602
HB0726_1: 33-17-1601, 33-17-1602
HB0726_2(1): 33-17-1601, 33-17-1602
HB0726_2(2): 33-17-1601, 33-17-1602
HB0726_2(3): 33-17-1601, 33-17-1602
HB0726_2(4): 33-17-1601, 33-17-1602
HB0726_2(5): 33-17-1601, 33-17-1602
HB0726_2(6): 33-17-1601, 33-17-1602
HB0726_2(7): 33-17-1601, 33-17-1602
HB0726_2(8): 33-17-1601, 33-17-1602
HB0726_2: 33-17-1601, 33-17-1602
HB0726_X(1): 33-17-1601, 33-17-1602
HB0726_X(2): 33-17-1601, 33-17-1602
HB0726_X(3): 33-17-1601, 33-17-1602
HB0726_X(4): 33-17-1601, 33-17-1602
HB0726_X(5): 33-17-1601, 33-17-1602
HB0726_X(6): 33-17-1601, 33-17-1602
HB0726_X: 33-17-1601, 33-17-1602