HB 82 -- Surety Recovery Agents

Sponsor:  Bland

This bill contains provisions regarding surety recovery agents or
bounty hunters.  The bill requires any person wishing to practice
as a surety recovery agent in this state to be licensed with the
Department of Insurance.  All applicants for licensure must have
either a high school diploma or its equivalent and complete at
least 20 hours of training provided by the Department of Public
Safety.

The bill requires that surety recovery agents be employed by no
more than one bail bond agent.  Any complaints against licensed
surety recovery agents will be investigated by the Department of
Insurance.  The department may, at its discretion, issue licenses
without examination to individuals who currently hold valid
licenses from other states that have licensing requirements
equivalent to those in Missouri.

The bill also prohibits surety recovery agents from holding
themselves out as being employees, officers, or agents of the
state or a political subdivision of the state or the federal
government.  Persons licensed as surety recovery agents or bail
bond agents may not carry a firearm while engaged in their duties
and must be accompanied by at least one local law enforcement
officer when performing fugitive recovery.

Missouri House of Representatives
Last Updated July 25, 2003 at 10:10 am