Committee adopts substitute to modernize bail-bonds licensing, phases out surety bonds

A House committee adopted a substitute to HB 302 that sponsors said updates and modernizes the licensing framework for the bail-bonds industry, phases out certain surety bonds, extends apprenticeship licensing and alters board membership.

Representative Brown, introduced as the sponsor for HB 302, said the substitute updates outdated dates and language and aims to "modernize and update the bail bonds business." Brown described provisions that will phase out traditional surety bonds (sometimes issued by insurance companies), preserve grandfathered rights for currently licensed businesses, allow a business sale to an unlicensed entity that must secure licensing within 90 days, and extend apprenticeship licensing from 120 days to 180 days.

Brown also said the substitute requires circuit clerks to report outstanding forfeitures and creates a central clearinghouse so that people who close operations in one county cannot move to another county without oversight. The sponsor told members the board will add a sheriff and a lay citizen and will permit retired judges and clerks to participate on the board.

Representative Kelvin Lawrence pressed the sponsor on whether professional training would be required before someone becomes a bondsman; the sponsor said apprenticeship options remain and that the bill intends to professionalize the industry. Committee members discussed paperwork and reporting responsibilities tied to circuit clerks.

The committee adopted the substitute (motion and second recorded in discussion) and gave HB 302 a favorable report. The committee did not record additional substantive amendments during the meeting.