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MontanaHB 72669th Legislature, Regular Session (2025)HouseWALLET

Generally revise bail bonds laws

Sponsored By: Nelly Nicol (Republican)

Became Law

Criminal Procedure

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.

Upfront disclosure of bail fees and interest

Bail bond producers must show any fees or interest beyond the minimum premium when you sign. All parties must acknowledge these charges at signing. The law does not set fee limits; it requires clear disclosure.

Lower age and checks for bail agents

The minimum age to get a Montana bail agent license is now 18. Applicants must have a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent. Applicants cannot have felony convictions or offenses involving dishonesty, violence, or controlled substances.

Training and temporary licenses for bail agents

Applicants must finish a commissioner‑approved 16‑hour basic course covering rights, use of force, mental health, ethics, and report writing. Licensed agents must complete continuing education every two years: 1 hour of legal updates and 4 hours of approved training. The commissioner may issue a temporary license for up to 12 months; you can work only while employed by a licensed surety bail bond agent; it cannot be renewed. A temporary licensee must be supervised by a Montana resident agent licensed at least five consecutive years with no discipline in the past five years. If you have qualifying law‑enforcement, military, or on‑the‑job training, you can request a waiver of the basic course; the commissioner decides.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Nelly Nicol

    Republican • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 331 • No: 158

House vote • 4/11/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 56 • No: 43

House vote • 4/11/2025

Do Not Concur

Yes: 41 • No: 57

House vote • 4/7/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 47 • No: 2

House vote • 4/5/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 46 • No: 0

House vote • 3/7/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 62 • No: 37

House vote • 3/5/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 79 • No: 19

Actions Timeline

  1. Chapter Number Assigned

    5/8/2025House

  2. Signed by Governor

    5/5/2025House

  3. Transmitted to Governor

    4/25/2025House

  4. Signed by President

    4/25/2025Senate

  5. Signed by Speaker

    4/23/2025House

  6. Returned from Enrolling

    4/14/2025House

  7. Sent to Enrolling

    4/11/2025House

  8. 3rd Reading Passed as Amended by Senate

    4/11/2025House

  9. 2nd Reading Senate Amendments Not Concur Motion Failed

    4/11/2025House

  10. Returned to House with Amendments

    4/7/2025Senate

  11. 3rd Reading Concurred

    4/7/2025Senate

  12. 2nd Reading Concurred

    4/5/2025Senate

  13. Committee Report--Bill Concurred as Amended

    4/2/2025Senate

  14. Committee Executive Action--Bill Concurred as Amended

    4/2/2025Senate

  15. Hearing

    3/24/2025Senate

  16. Referred to Committee

    3/18/2025Senate

  17. First Reading

    3/14/2025Senate

  18. Transmitted to Senate

    3/7/2025House

  19. 3rd Reading Passed

    3/7/2025House

  20. 2nd Reading Passed

    3/5/2025House

  21. Committee Report--Bill Passed

    3/1/2025House

  22. Fiscal Note Printed

    3/1/2025House

  23. Fiscal Note Signed

    3/1/2025House

  24. Fiscal Note Received

    3/1/2025House

  25. Committee Executive Action--Bill Passed

    3/1/2025House

Bill Text

  • Enrolled

    4/14/2025

    PDF

  • As Amended (Version 2)

    4/2/2025

    PDF

  • Introduced

    2/25/2025

    PDF

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