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 for applicants from 21 to 18 years, and requiring applicants to 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 biennial continuing education.

Furthermore, the bill introduces 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 aims to enhance the professionalism and accountability of the surety bail bond industry in Montana.

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(10): 33-17-1601, 33-17-1602
HB0726_X(11): 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(7): 33-17-1601, 33-17-1602
HB0726_X(8): 33-17-1601, 33-17-1602
HB0726_X(9): 33-17-1601, 33-17-1602
HB0726_X: 33-17-1601, 33-17-1602