Keep Bailing

A new measure this week comes out of the Missouri House Rules Committee which proposes that bail bonds should be prohibited to be issued for any convicted felons. Starting next year, there will be more accountability in the bail bonds industry in Missouri.

This bill will limit how much bail bondsman can write in terms of bonds for defendants. A committee of judges, bail bondsman, judges and state legislators approved the list of provisions laying out the scope of the bill.

Based on the agencies’ assets, it would determine the amount of bail they could write.  The talks include letting the Missouri Department of Insurance Financial Institutions and Professional Regulation oversee the qualifications for bail agents.

Rep. Chris Molendorp, R-Belton states that this bill would be a “step toward making the industry more professional.”

Some agree it would centralize the qualification process for agents. A Kansas City bail bondsman believes the accountability will ultimately protect public safety.

There would also be more regulation in deciding to write bonds for specific defendants, and that would be a good thing. Steve Fuller, an agent in St. Joseph gives a thumbs-up to centralizing the process of qualifications for agents which would allow them to operate throughout the state.  He added, “I don’t think one county should be better than any other.”

With all its push to move forward, there has been some back and forth decision making having to do with cuts in next years budget. Further, a long-time staffer, Brian Yates retired mid-term. This has led to a temporary vacancy in the role. State Sen. Rita Days, D-St Louis was left with this legislation ‘bill in hand’ until another one takes it up. It has not been brought up again for approval since the position change.

A House insurance agent stated this measure has been a bi-partisan effort. With House Democrats helping to push the bill along. Moving forward, those in the bail industry will surely be keeping their fingers on the pulse of this legislation, as it could mean a big change in the world of bail.