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Lawmakers hear rival views on bail‑industry reforms: 10% premium and residency rules proposed
Summary
A pair of bills — HB 729 to set a 10% minimum bail premium and HB 726 to require bail agents be locally resident/have a place of business — drew strong testimony from Montana bail agents and prosecutors in favor and insurance regulators and trade groups opposed, who warned of price‑fixing, reciprocity and commerce‑clause problems.
Representative Nellie Nicholl opened a package of bail‑industry measures. She told the committee HB 729 establishes a baseline premium standard and disclosure requirements so defendants and families know the cost of a bond upfront; HB 726 would require bail producers to be locally resident and maintain a place of business to ensure accountability.
Local agents and the Montana Bail Agents Association repeatedly urged passage. John Looney, president of the Montana Bail Agents Association, said the 10% minimum "is a regulation. It's not a price fix. It…
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