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Understanding the Failure of Assembly Bill 1406

$15 additional bail bond fee rejected by California State Legislature

gavelAB1406 would have added Section 1824 to the Insurance Code. It required that each surety insurer or bail permittee pay a fee of $15 per bail bond transaction. According to the bill, these fees would be placed into the Bail Investigation and Prosecution fund to help with the costs involved in regulating bail companies. The money allocated to the Bail Investigation and Prosecution fund would be distributed as follows:

  • 70% would be assigned to consumer enforcement and protection purposes including the investigation and prosecution of unlawful conduct by bail licensees, responding to consumer complaints and inquiries, regulating and overseeing bail bond advertising, solicitations, etc. and to cover the costs of a fiscal audit.
  • 30% would be allocated district attorneys and city prosecutors to investigate and prosecute bail abuse cases.

 

What does this mean for bail in California?

The bill met considerable opposition from California Bail Agents including many large bail agent associations and the American Bail Coalition. The bill had hoped to solve some of the consumer complaints that arise with the California Department of Insurance regarding bail companies. The $15 fee, however, was deemed excessive in an already heavily taxed arena.

Unfortunately, bad bail agents and bad bail companies exist. It is the same problem faced in any business. Although committee oversight and further legislation on the issue is needed, the California Legislature ultimately felt that this fee would have potentially raised the rates for inmates trying to be released from custody and, perhaps, is not the answer to the underlying problem. Finding a trustworthy, professional bail agent is the best way to avoid being bamboozled in a time of desperation.

Premiere Bail Bonds has over 200 agents throughout California. You will immediately speak with a licensed bail agent who will help you understand the bail process. We will meet with you at no additional cost to provide the ease and convenience you need during this difficult time. Our staff is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to assist you with any question or issue that you face. Call today to speak with a licensed California bondsman.