CHAPTER 1704. REGULATION OF BAIL BOND SURETIES
OCCUPATIONS CODE
TITLE 10. OCCUPATIONS RELATED TO LAW ENFORCEMENT AND SECURITY
CHAPTER 1704. REGULATION OF BAIL BOND SURETIES
SUBCHAPTER A. GENERAL PROVISIONS
Sec. 1704.001. DEFINITIONS. In this chapter:
(1) "Bail bond" means a cash deposit, or similar deposit or
written undertaking, or a bond or other security, given to
guarantee the appearance of a defendant in a criminal case.
(2) "Bail bond surety" means a person who:
(A) executes a bail bond as a surety or cosurety for another
person; or
(B) for compensation deposits cash to ensure the appearance in
court of a person accused of a crime.
(3) "Board" means a county bail bond board.
(4) "Bonding business" or "bail bond business" means the
solicitation, negotiation, or execution of a bail bond by a bail
bond surety.
(4-a) "Final judgment" means a judgment that disposes of all
issues and parties in a case.
(5) "Person" means an individual or corporation.
Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1262, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1,
2001; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 942, Sec. 6, eff. June 20, 2003.
Amended by:
Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch.
316, Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2005.
Sec. 1704.002. APPLICATION OF CHAPTER. This chapter applies
only in a county with a population of:
(1) 110,000 or more; or
(2) less than 110,000 in which a board is created.
Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
SUBCHAPTER B. COUNTY BAIL BOND BOARDS
Sec. 1704.051. MANDATORY CREATION OF BOARD. A board is created
in each county with a population of 110,000 or more.
Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Sec. 1704.052. DISCRETIONARY CREATION OF BOARD. A board may be
created in a county with a population of less than 110,000 if:
(1) a majority of the persons who would serve as members of the
board under Section 1704.053, or who would designate the persons
who would serve as members of the board, determine to create a
board; and
(2) the commissioners court approves the creation of the board
by a majority vote.
Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Amended by:
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
923, Sec. 1, eff. June 19, 2009.
Sec. 1704.053. BOARD COMPOSITION. A board consists of:
(1) the sheriff or a designee from the sheriff's office who must
be the sheriff's administrator or a deputy sheriff of the rank of
at least sergeant;
(2) a district judge of the county having jurisdiction over
criminal matters and designated by the presiding judge of the
administrative judicial district or a designee of the district
judge who is approved by the presiding judge;
(3) the county judge, a member of the commissioners court
designated by the county judge, or a designee approved by the
commissioners court;
(4) a judge of a county court or county court at law in the
county having jurisdiction over criminal matters and designated
by the commissioners court or a designee of the judge who is
approved by the commissioners court;
(5) the district attorney or an assistant district attorney
designated by the district attorney;
(6) a licensed bail bond surety or agent for a corporate surety
in the county elected under Section 1704.0535, or a bail bond
surety or agent for a corporate surety licensed in the county who
is designated by the elected surety or agent;
(7) a justice of the peace;
(8) the district clerk or the clerk's designee;
(9) the county clerk or the clerk's designee, if the county
clerk has responsibility over criminal matters;
(10) if appointed by the board, a presiding judge of a municipal
court in the county;
(11) if the county's principal municipality designates a
presiding judge in the municipal court system, the presiding
judge or a municipal judge from the system designated by the
presiding judge;
(12) the county treasurer or the treasurer's designee or, if
appointed by the commissioners court in a county that does not
have a county treasurer, the person designated by the county
commissioners court to perform the duties of the county
treasurer; and
(13) a criminal defense attorney practicing in the county and
elected by other attorneys whose principal places of business are
located in the county and who are not legally prohibited from
representing criminal defendants or the designee of the criminal
defense attorney.
Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1420, Sec. 14.503(a), eff.
Sept. 1, 2001; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 942, Sec. 7, eff. June
20, 2003.
Amended by:
Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.
353, Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2007.
Sec. 1704.0535. ELECTION OF BAIL BOND SURETY BOARD MEMBER. (a)
The board shall annually conduct a secret ballot election to
elect the member of the board who serves as the representative of
licensed bail bond sureties by electing a licensed bail bond
surety or agent for a corporate surety board member.
(b) Each individual licensed in the county as a bail bond surety
or agent for a corporate surety is entitled to cast one vote for
each license held.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 942, Sec. 8, eff. June 20,
2003.
Sec. 1704.054. PRESIDING OFFICER. (a) A board shall initially
elect one of its members as presiding officer.
(b) The presiding officer shall preside over board meetings.
(c) The presiding officer may vote on any board matter.
Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 942, Sec. 9, eff. June 20,
2003.
Sec. 1704.055. MEETINGS. (a) A board shall hold its initial
meeting not later than the 60th day after the date the board is
created.
(b) Except as provided by Subsection (c), a board shall meet:
(1) at least once a month; and
(2) at other times at the call of the presiding officer.
(c) A board in a county with a population of less than 50,000
shall meet at least four times each year during the months of
January, April, July, and October at the call of the presiding
officer.
Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Amended by:
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
899, Sec. 1, eff. June 19, 2009.
Sec. 1704.056. QUORUM; MAJORITY VOTE. (a) Four members of a
board constitute a quorum.
(b) A board may take action only on a majority vote of the board
members present.
Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
SUBCHAPTER C. BOARD POWERS AND DUTIES
Sec. 1704.101. ADMINISTRATIVE AUTHORITY. A board shall:
(1) exercise powers incidental or necessary to the
administration of this chapter;
(2) deposit fees collected under this chapter in the general
fund of the county;
(3) supervise and regulate each phase of the bonding business in
the county;
(4) adopt and post rules necessary to implement this chapter;
(5) conduct hearings and investigations and make determinations
relating to the issuance, denial, or renewal of licenses;
(6) issue licenses to qualified applicants;
(7) deny licenses to unqualified applicants;
(8) employ persons necessary to assist in board functions; and
(9) conduct board business, including maintaining records and
minutes.
Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Sec. 1704.102. ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITY. (a) A board shall:
(1) enforce this chapter in the county;
(2) conduct hearings and investigations and make determinations
relating to license suspension and revocation;
(3) suspend or revoke a license for a violation of this chapter
or a rule adopted by the board under this chapter; and
(4) require a record and transcription of each board proceeding.
(b) A board may:
(1) compel the appearance before the board of an applicant or
license holder; and
(2) during a hearing conducted by the board, administer oaths,
examine witnesses, and compel the production of pertinent records
and testimony by a license holder or applicant.
Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Sec. 1704.103. DISBURSEMENTS FROM COUNTY FUND. (a) Fees
deposited in the general fund of a county under Section
1704.101(2) may be used only to administer and enforce this
chapter, including reimbursement for:
(1) reasonable expenses incurred by the board in enforcing this
chapter; and
(2) actual expenses incurred by a board member in serving on the
board.
(b) For purposes of this section, serving on a board is an
additional duty of a board member's office. A board member may
not receive compensation for serving on a board.
Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Sec. 1704.104. POSTING OF BOARD RULE OR ACTION. A board shall
post a rule adopted or an action taken by the board in an
appropriate place in the county courthouse for the 10 days
preceding the date the rule or action takes effect.
Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Sec. 1704.105. LICENSED BAIL BOND SURETY LIST. (a) A board
shall post in each court having criminal jurisdiction in the
county, and shall provide to each local official responsible for
the detention of prisoners in the county, a current list of each
licensed bail bond surety and each licensed agent of a corporate
surety in the county.
(b) A list of each licensed bail bond surety and each licensed
agent of a corporate surety in a county must be displayed at each
location where prisoners are examined, processed, or confined.
Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 942, Sec. 10, eff. June 20,
2003.
Sec. 1704.107. NOTIFICATION OF LICENSE SUSPENSION OR REVOCATION.
A board shall immediately notify each court and each local
official responsible for the detention of prisoners in the county
of:
(1) the suspension or revocation of a license issued under this
chapter; and
(2) the revocation of the authority of a license holder's agent.
Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Sec. 1704.108. NOTIFICATION OF DEFAULT BY CORPORATION. A board
shall promptly notify the Texas Department of Insurance if a
corporation fails to pay a judgment of forfeiture as provided by
Section 1704.204(a).
Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 942, Sec. 11, eff. June 20,
2003.
Validity
This section has been declared unconstitutional. See Pruett v.
Harris County Bail Bond Bd., 400 F. Supp. 2d 967 (S.D. Tex.
2005).
Sec. 1704.109. SOLICITATION AND ADVERTISEMENT. (a) A board by
rule may regulate solicitations or advertisements by or on behalf
of bail bond sureties to protect:
(1) the public from:
(A) harassment;
(B) fraud;
(C) misrepresentation; or
(D) threats to public safety; or
(2) the safety of law enforcement officers.
(b) A bail bond surety, an agent of a corporate surety, or an
employee of the surety or agent may not make, cause to be made,
or benefit from unsolicited contact:
(1) through any means, including in person, by telephone, by
electronic methods, or in writing, to solicit bonding business
related to an individual with an outstanding arrest warrant that
has not been executed, unless the bail bond surety or agent for a
corporate surety has an existing bail bond on the individual; or
(2) in person or by telephone to solicit bonding business:
(A) that occurs between the hours of 9 p.m. and 9 a.m.; or
(B) within 24 hours after:
(i) the execution of an arrest warrant on the individual; or
(ii) an arrest without a warrant on the individual.
(c) This section does not apply to a solicitation or unsolicited
contact related to a Class C misdemeanor.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1262, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1,
2001. Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 942, Sec. 12, eff.
June 20, 2003.
SUBCHAPTER D. LICENSING REQUIREMENTS
Sec. 1704.151. LICENSE REQUIRED. Except as provided by Section
1704.163, a person may not act as a bail bond surety or as an
agent for a corporate surety in the county unless the person
holds a license issued under this chapter.
Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 942, Sec. 13, eff. June 20,
2003.
Sec. 1704.152. ELIGIBILITY. (a) To be eligible for a license
under this chapter, an individual, including an agent designated
by a corporation in an application, must:
(1) be a resident of this state and a citizen of the United
States;
(2) be at least 18 years of age;
(3) possess the financial resources required to comply with
Section 1704.160, unless the individual is acting only as agent
for a corporation holding a license under this chapter; and
(4) submit documentary evidence that, in the two years preceding
the date a license application is filed, the individual:
(A) has been continuously employed by a person licensed under
this chapter for at least one year and for not less than 30 hours
per week, excluding annual leave, and has performed duties that
encompass all phases of the bonding business; and
(B) completed in person at least eight hours of continuing legal
education in criminal law courses or bail bond law courses that
are approved by the State Bar of Texas and that are offered by an
accredited institution of higher education in the state.
(b) To be eligible for a license under this chapter, a
corporation must be:
(1) chartered or admitted to do business in this state; and
(2) qualified to write fidelity, guaranty, and surety bonds
under the Insurance Code.
(c) Subsection (a)(4) does not apply to the issuance of an
original license:
(1) in a county before the first anniversary of the date a board
is created in the county; or
(2) to an individual who applies to operate the bail bond
business of a license holder who has died if the individual is
related to the decedent within the first degree by consanguinity
or is the decedent's surviving spouse.
Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1262, Sec. 3, eff. Sept. 1,
2001; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 942, Sec. 14, eff. June 20, 2003.
Amended by:
Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch.
316, Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2005.
Sec. 1704.153. INELIGIBILITY BECAUSE OF CRIMINAL CONVICTION. A
person is not eligible for a license under this chapter if, after
August 27, 1973, the person commits and is finally convicted of a
misdemeanor involving moral turpitude or a felony.
Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Sec. 1704.154. APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS. (a) To be licensed
under this chapter, a person must apply for a license by filing a
sworn application with the board.
(b) The application must:
(1) be in a form and contain the information prescribed by the
board;
(2) state:
(A) the applicant's name, age, and address;
(B) if the applicant is a corporation, whether the applicant is:
(i) chartered or admitted to do business in this state; and
(ii) qualified to write fidelity, guaranty, and surety bonds
under the Insurance Code;
(C) the name under which the bail bond business will be
conducted, including a bail bond business that is conducted by an
agent of a corporation;
(D) each place, including the street address and municipality,
at which the business will be conducted; and
(E) the amount of cash or the cash value of a certificate of
deposit or cashier's check that the applicant intends to deposit
with the county treasurer if the applicant's application is
approved or, if the applicant is an individual intending to
execute nonexempt real property in trust to the board, the value
of the real property;
(3) if the applicant is an individual, be accompanied by a list,
as required by Section 1704.155, of nonexempt real property owned
by the applicant that the applicant intends to execute in trust
to the board if the applicant's application is approved; and
(4) be accompanied by:
(A) the applicant's complete, sworn financial statement;
(B) the applicant's declaration that the applicant will comply
with this chapter and the rules adopted by the board;
(C) three letters of recommendation, each from a person who:
(i) is reputable; and
(ii) has known the applicant or, if the applicant is a
corporation, the agent designated by the corporation in the
application for at least three years;
(D) a $500 filing fee;
(E) a photograph of the applicant or, if the applicant is a
corporation, of the agent designated by the corporation in the
application;
(F) a set of fingerprints of the applicant or, if the applicant
is a corporation, of the agent designated by the corporation in
the application taken by a law enforcement officer designated by
the board;
(G) if the applicant is or has been licensed under this chapter
in another county:
(i) a list of each county in which the applicant holds a
license; and
(ii) a statement by the applicant, as of the date of the
application, of any final judgments that have been unpaid for
more than 30 days and that arose directly or indirectly from a
bail bond executed by the applicant as a surety or as an agent
for a surety; and
(H) if the applicant is a corporation, a statement by the
designated agent, as of the date of the application, of any final
judgments that have been unpaid for more than 30 days and that
arose directly or indirectly from any bond executed by the agent
as a surety or as an agent for a surety.
(c) A letter of recommendation submitted under Subsection
(b)(4)(C) must:
(1) state that the applicant or, if the applicant is a
corporation, the agent designated by the corporation in the
application has a reputation for honesty, truthfulness, fair
dealing, and competency; and
(2) recommend that the board issue the license.
(d) Until payment of the final judgment, an unpaid final
judgment disclosed under Subsection (b)(4)(G)(ii) or (b)(4)(H)
bars licensure for the applicant unless the applicant has
deposited with the court cash or a supersedeas bond in the amount
of the final judgment pending:
(1) a ruling on a timely filed motion for a new trial; or
(2) an appeal.
(e) A corporation must file a separate corporate application for
each agent the corporation designates in the county.
Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1262, Sec. 4, eff. Sept. 1,
2001; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 942, Sec. 15, eff. June 20, 2003.
Sec. 1704.155. REAL PROPERTY LIST. A list of nonexempt real
property required under Section 1704.154(b)(3) must, for each
parcel listed, include:
(1) a legal description of the property that would be sufficient
to convey the property by general warranty deed;
(2) a current statement from each taxing unit authorized to
impose taxes on the property showing that there is no outstanding
tax lien against the property;
(3) at the option of the applicant, either the property's:
(A) net value according to a current appraisal made by a real
estate appraiser who is a member in good standing of a nationally
recognized professional appraiser society or trade organization
that has an established code of ethics, educational program, and
professional certification program; or
(B) value according to a statement from the county from the
county's most recent certified tax appraisal roll;
(4) a statement by the applicant that, while the property
remains in trust, the applicant:
(A) agrees to pay the taxes on the property;
(B) will not further encumber the property unless the applicant
notifies the board of the applicant's intent to encumber the
property and the board permits the encumbrance; and
(C) agrees to maintain insurance on any improvements on the
property against damage or destruction in the full amount of the
value claimed for the improvements;
(5) a statement of whether the applicant is married; and
(6) if the applicant is married, a sworn statement from the
applicant's spouse agreeing to transfer to the board, as a part
of the trust, any right, title, or interest that the spouse may
have in the property.
Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1262, Sec. 5, eff. Sept. 1,
2001; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 942, Sec. 16, eff. June 20, 2003.
Sec. 1704.156. REAPPRAISAL OF REAL PROPERTY. (a) An appraisal
district may not reappraise real property solely because the
property owner is a license holder or an applicant for a license
under this chapter.
(b) An appraisal district is not prohibited from reappraising
real property in connection with the appraisal of real property
in the same general area or if the reappraisal is requested by
the board, a license holder, or an applicant for a license.
Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Sec. 1704.157. PRELIMINARY DETERMINATIONS. Before a hearing on
an application, a board or a board's authorized representative
shall determine whether the applicant:
(1) possesses the financial resources to comply with Section
1704.160; and
(2) satisfies the other requirements of this chapter.
Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Sec. 1704.158. HEARING ON APPLICATION. (a) After making the
determinations required by Section 1704.157, a board shall
conduct a hearing on the application.
(b) During the hearing:
(1) the board may submit to the applicant or the applicant's
agent any questions relevant to the board's decision on the
application; and
(2) the applicant may present oral and documentary evidence.
Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Sec. 1704.159. DECISION ON APPLICATION; BOARD ORDER. (a) After
the hearing under Section 1704.158, the board shall enter an
order conditionally approving the application unless the board
determines that a ground exists to deny the application. If the
board determines that a ground exists to deny the application,
the board shall enter an order denying the application.
(b) An order issued under Subsection (a) conditionally approving
an application becomes final on the date the applicant complies
with the security requirements of Section 1704.160.
(c) A board shall give written notice to an applicant of the
board's decision on the application.
Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 942, Sec. 17, eff. June 20,
2003.
Sec. 1704.160. SECURITY REQUIREMENTS. (a) On receipt of notice
under Section 1704.159 that an application has been conditionally
approved, the applicant, not later than the 90th day after the
date of receipt of the notice, must:
(1) if the applicant is an individual:
(A) subject to Subsection (b), deposit with the county treasurer
a cashier's check, certificate of deposit, or cash in the amount
stated on the application under Section 1704.154(b)(2)(E); or
(B) subject to Subsections (c)-(f), execute in trust to the
board each deed to the property listed on the application under
Section 1704.154(b)(3); or
(2) if the applicant is a corporation, subject to Subsection
(b), deposit with the county treasurer a cashier's check,
certificate of deposit, or cash in the amount stated on the
application under Section 1704.154(b)(2)(E).
(b) A deposit made under Subsection (a)(1)(A) or (a)(2) may not
be less than $50,000. A corporation must make a separate deposit
for each license granted to it in a county. A deposit made to a
county with a population of less than 250,000 shall be placed in
a fund known as a bail security fund.
(c) At the option of the applicant, the property executed in
trust under Subsection (a)(1)(B) must be valued in the amount
indicated by:
(1) an appraisal by a real estate appraiser who is a member in
good standing of a nationally recognized professional appraiser
society or trade organization that has an established code of
ethics, educational program, and professional certification
program; or
(2) the county's most recent certified tax appraisal roll.
(d) The total value of the property executed in trust under
Subsection (a)(1)(B) may not be less than $50,000.
(e) A trust created under Subsection (a)(1)(B) is subject to the
condition that the property executed in trust may, after notice
is provided and under the conditions required by the Code of
Criminal Procedure, be sold to satisfy a final judgment on a
forfeiture on a bail bond executed by the applicant.
(f) If an applicant is married, the applicant's spouse must
execute each deed of trust under Subsection (a)(1)(B) that
involves community property.
(g) A board shall file each deed of trust in the records of each
county in which the property is located. The applicant shall pay
the filing fee.
(h) The certificate of authority to do business in this state
issued under Section 861.102, Insurance Code, to an applicant
that is a corporation is conclusive evidence of:
(1) the sufficiency of the applicant's security; and
(2) the applicant's solvency and credits.
(i) A license holder must maintain the amount of security
required by this section during the time the person holds the
license.
Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1262, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1,
2001; Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1420, Sec. 14.504, eff. Sept. 1,
2001; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 942, Sec. 18, eff. June 20, 2003;
Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1276, Sec. 10A.547, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Sec. 1704.161. LICENSE FORM. (a) Each license issued under
this chapter must show on its face the license expiration date
and the license number.
(b) The same license number must appear on each subsequent
renewal license.
Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Sec. 1704.162. LICENSE EXPIRATION AND RENEWAL. (a) A license
issued or renewed under this chapter expires on the second
anniversary after the date the license is issued or is to expire,
as appropriate, if the license:
(1) has been issued for less than eight consecutive years; or
(2) has been suspended.
(b) To renew a license, a license holder must file with the
board an application for renewal not later than the 31st day
before the license expiration date.
(c) An application for renewal must comply with the requirements
for an original license application under Section 1704.154,
including the $500 filing fee requirement.
(d) A board shall approve an application for renewal if:
(1) the applicant's current license is not suspended or revoked;
(2) the application complies with the requirements of this
chapter; and
(3) the board does not determine that a ground exists to deny
the application.
(e) A person who applies to renew a license that has been held
by the person for at least eight consecutive years without having
been suspended or revoked under this chapter and who complies
with the requirements of this chapter may renew the license for a
period of 36 months from the date of expiration if the board:
(1) knows of no legal reason why the license should not be
renewed; and
(2) determines that the applicant has submitted an annual
financial report to each county bail bond board before the
anniversary date of the issuance of the applicant's license.
(f) A license renewed under Subsection (e) may be renewed
subsequently each 36 months in a similar manner.
(g) The board may disapprove an application only by entering an
order.
Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1420, Sec. 14.505(a), eff.
Sept. 1, 2001; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 942, Sec. 19, eff. June
20, 2003.
Sec. 1704.163. ATTORNEY EXEMPTION. (a) Except as provided by
this section, a person not licensed under this chapter may
execute a bail bond or act as a surety for another person in any
county in this state if the person:
(1) is licensed to practice law in this state; and
(2) at the time the bond is executed or the person acts as a
surety, files a notice of appearance as counsel of record in the
criminal case for which the bond was executed or surety provided
or submits proof that the person has previously filed with the
court in which the criminal case is pending the notice of
appearance as counsel of record.
(b) A person executing a bail bond or acting as a surety under
this section may not engage in conduct involved with that
practice that would subject a bail bond surety to license
suspension or revocation. If the board determines that a person
has violated this subsection, the board may suspend or revoke the
person's authorization to post a bond under this section or may
bar the person from executing a bail bond or acting as a surety
under this section until the person has remedied the violation.
(c) A person executing a bail bond or acting as a surety under
this section is not relieved of liability on the bond solely
because the person is later replaced as attorney of record in the
criminal case.
Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1262, Sec. 7, eff. Sept. 1,
2001.
Amended by:
Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch.
316, Sec. 3, eff. September 1, 2005.
SUBCHAPTER E. BONDING BUSINESS
Sec. 1704.201. ACCEPTANCE OF LICENSE HOLDER BAIL BONDS. A
sheriff shall accept or approve a bail bond executed by a license
holder in the county in which the license holder is licensed if:
(1) the bond is for a county or district case;
(2) the bond is executed in accordance with this chapter and the
rules adopted by the board; and
(3) a bail bond is required as a condition of release of the
defendant for whom the bond is executed.
Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Sec. 1704.202. RECORD REQUIREMENTS. (a) A license holder shall
maintain:
(1) a record of each bail bond executed by the license holder;
and
(2) a separate set of records for each county in which the
license holder is licensed.
(b) The records required to be maintained under this section
must include for each bail bond executed and enforced:
(1) the style and number of the case and the court in which the
bond is executed;
(2) the name of the defendant released on bond;
(3) the amount of bail set in the case;
(4) the amount and type of security held by the license holder;
and
(5) a statement of:
(A) whether the security held by the license holder is:
(i) for the payment of a bail bond fee; or
(ii) to assure the principal's appearance in court; and
(B) the conditions under which the security will be returned.
(c) Repealed by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 942, Sec. 28.
(d) The records required under this section shall be:
(1) made available for inspection and copying at the board's
expense on demand by the board or an authorized representative of
the board;
(2) maintained at the license holder's office location in the
county; and
(3) maintained for not less than four years after the conclusion
of the case for which the bond was given.
Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 942, Sec. 20, 28, eff. June
20, 2003.
Sec. 1704.203. BAIL BOND LIMIT; ADDITIONAL SECURITY. (a)
Except as provided by Subsection (d), a license holder who holds
a license originally issued before September 1, 1999, may not
execute, and a person may not accept from the license holder, a
bail bond that, in the aggregate with other bail bonds executed
by the license holder in that county, results in a total amount
that exceeds 10 times the value of the security deposited or
executed by the license holder under Section 1704.160.
(b) A county officer or an employee designated by the board
shall maintain for each license holder the total amount of the
license holder's current liability on bail bonds.
(c) A license holder may not execute a bail bond if the amount
of the license holder's current total liability on judgments nisi
in that county equals or exceeds twice the amount of security
deposited or executed by the license holder under Section
1704.160.
(d) A license holder, at any time, may increase the limits
prescribed by this section by depositing or executing additional
security.
(e) This section does not apply to a license holder that is a
corporation.
(f) A bail bond surety who holds a license originally issued on
or after September 1, 1999, and who:
(1) has been licensed for fewer than two years or has had a
license under this chapter suspended or revoked may not execute,
and a person may not accept from the license holder, bail bonds
that in the aggregate exceed 10 times the value of property held
as security under Section 1704.160(a)(1)(A) plus five times the
value of property held in trust under Section 1704.160(a)(1)(B);
(2) has been licensed for at least two years and fewer than four
years may not execute, and a person may not accept from the
license holder, bail bonds that in the aggregate exceed 10 times
the value of property held as security under Section
1704.160(a)(1)(A) plus six times the value of property held in
trust under Section 1704.160(a)(1)(B);
(3) has been licensed for at least four years and fewer than six
years may not execute, and a person may not accept from the
license holder, bail bonds that in the aggregate exceed 10 times
the value of property held as security under Section
1704.160(a)(1)(A) plus eight times the value of property held in
trust under Section 1704.160(a)(1)(B); or
(4) has been licensed for at least six years may not execute,
and a person may not accept from the license holder, bail bonds
that in the aggregate exceed 10 times the value of property held
as security under Section 1704.160(a)(1)(A) plus 10 times the
value of property held in trust under Section 1704.160(a)(1)(B).
(g) If a bail bond surety is subject to Subsection (f)(1)
because the person has had a license under this chapter suspended
or revoked and is also subject to Subsection (f)(2), (3), or (4),
the prohibition imposed by Subsection (f)(1) controls.
Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1420, Sec. 14.506(a), eff.
Sept. 1, 2001.
Sec. 1704.204. PAYMENT OF FINAL JUDGMENT. (a) A person shall
pay a final judgment on a forfeiture of a bail bond executed by
the person not later than the 31st day after the date of the
final judgment unless a timely motion for a new trial has been
filed. If a timely motion for a new trial or a notice of appeal
has been filed, the person shall:
(1) pay the judgment not later than the 31st day after the date
the motion is overruled, if the motion is overruled; or
(2) deposit with the court cash or a supersedeas bond in the
amount of the final judgment, if an appeal is filed.
(b) If a license holder fails to pay a final judgment as
required by Subsection (a), the judgment shall be paid from the
security deposited or executed by the license holder under
Section 1704.160.
Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 942, Sec. 21, eff. June 20,
2003.
Sec. 1704.205. BAIL BOND SETTLEMENT. Before a final judgment on
a forfeiture of a bail bond:
(1) the prosecuting attorney may recommend to the court a
settlement in an amount less than the amount stated in the bond;
or
(2) the court may, on its own motion, approve a settlement.
Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Sec. 1704.206. REPLACEMENT OF SECURITY. If a final judgment on
a forfeiture of a bail bond is paid from the security deposited
or executed by a license holder under Section 1704.160, the
license holder shall deposit or execute additional security in an
amount sufficient to comply with that section.
Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Sec. 1704.207. SURRENDER OF PRINCIPAL; CONTEST. (a) A person
executing a bail bond may surrender the principal for whom the
bond is executed by:
(1) if the principal is represented by an attorney, notifying
the principal's attorney of the person's intention to surrender
the principal in a manner provided by Rule 21a, Texas Rules of
Civil Procedure; and
(2) filing an affidavit with the court or magistrate before
which the prosecution is pending that states:
(A) the person's intention to surrender the principal;
(B) the court and cause number of the case;
(C) the name of the defendant;
(D) the offense with which the defendant is charged;
(E) the date of the bond;
(F) the reason for the intended surrender; and
(G) that notice of the person's intention to surrender the
principal has been provided as required by this subsection.
(b) If a principal is surrendered under Subsection (a) and the
principal or an attorney representing the state or an accused in
the case determines that a reason for the surrender was without
reasonable cause, the person may contest the surrender in the
court that authorized the surrender.
(c) If the court finds that a contested surrender was without
reasonable cause, the court may require the person who executed
the bond to refund to the principal all or part of the fees paid
for execution of the bond. The court shall identify the fees paid
to induce the person to execute the bond regardless of whether
the fees are described as fees for execution of the bond.
Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1262, Sec. 8, eff. Sept. 1,
2001; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 942, Sec. 22, eff. June 20, 2003.
Sec. 1704.208. BOND LIABILITY. (a) A person executing a bail
bond is relieved of liability on the bond on the date of
disposition of the case for which the bond is executed.
(b) For purposes of this section, disposition of a case occurs
on the date the case is dismissed or the principal is acquitted
or convicted.
Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Sec. 1704.209. BOND DISCHARGED ON APPEAL. (a) A bail bond
shall be discharged if:
(1) the principal appeals the case for which the bond is
executed; and
(2) the person who executed the bond does not agree to continue
during the appeal as surety.
(b) A court may not require a person who executes a bail bond to
continue as surety while the principal appeals the case for which
the bond is executed unless the person agrees to continue during
the appeal as surety.
(c) This section does not prohibit a principal from obtaining an
appeal bond under the Code of Criminal Procedure.
(d) This section prevails over any provision contained in the
bail bond.
Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Sec. 1704.210. WITHDRAWAL OF SECURITY. (a) A license holder
may withdraw the security deposited or executed under Section
1704.160, and the security shall be returned to the license
holder or the license holder's heirs or assigns, if:
(1) the license holder:
(A) ceases to engage in the bonding business;
(B) ceases to maintain the license; and
(C) presents a release by the board; and
(2) no judgment or bond liability, actual or potential, is
outstanding against the license holder.
(b) The security returned to a license holder under Subsection
(a) is equal to the amount of security deposited or executed
under Section 1704.160 minus the amount of security:
(1) depleted under Section 1704.204(b) to pay a judgment; and
(2) necessary to secure any unexpired obligation on a bail bond
executed by the license holder.
Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Sec. 1704.211. CORPORATE POWER OF ATTORNEY. (a) A corporation
shall, before executing any bail bond, file with the county clerk
of the county in which the corporation intends to execute the
bond a power of attorney designating an agent of the corporation
authorized to execute bail bonds on behalf of the corporation.
(b) An agent designated by a power of attorney under Subsection
(a) for a corporation holding a license under this chapter must
be designated by the corporation in the corporation's application
for a license.
(c) An agent designated by a power of attorney under Subsection
(a) is not required under this chapter to obtain a general
property and casualty agent license under Chapter 4051, Insurance
Code.
(d) A corporation may limit the authority of an agent designated
under Subsection (a) by specifying the limitation in the power of
attorney that is filed with the county clerk and the board.
Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1262, Sec. 9, eff. Sept. 1,
2001.
Amended by:
Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch.
728, Sec. 11.152, eff. September 1, 2005.
Sec. 1704.212. EFFECT OF DEFAULT BY CORPORATION; NOTICE
REQUIRED. (a) A corporation may not act as a bail bond surety
in a county in which the corporation is in default on five or
more bail bonds.
(b) If a corporation defaults on a bail bond, the clerk of the
court in which the corporation executed the bond shall deliver a
written notice of the default to:
(1) the sheriff;
(2) the chief of police; or
(3) another appropriate peace officer.
(c) For purposes of this section:
(1) a corporation is considered in default on a bail bond
beginning on the 11th day after the date the trial court enters a
final judgment on the scire facias and ending on the date the
judgment is satisfied, set aside, or superseded; and
(2) a corporation is not considered in default on a bail bond
if, pending appeal, the corporation deposits cash or a
supersedeas bond in the amount of the final judgment with the
court in which the bond is executed.
(d) A deposit made under Subsection (c)(2) shall be applied to
the payment of a final judgment in the case.
Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1262, Sec. 10, eff. Sept. 1,
2001.
Sec. 1704.213. OFFICE LOCATION. (a) A license holder shall
maintain an office in the county in which the license holder
holds a license.
(b) Not later than the seventh day after the date a license
holder opens a new office or moves an office to a new location,
the license holder shall notify the board of the location of the
office.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1262, Sec. 11, eff. Sept. 1,
2001.
SUBCHAPTER F. ENFORCEMENT PROVISIONS
Sec. 1704.251. INVESTIGATION. (a) A board, on its own motion,
may investigate an action of or a record maintained by a license
holder that relates to a complaint that the license holder has
violated this chapter.
(b) A board shall investigate an action of or a record
maintained by a license holder if:
(1) the board receives a sworn complaint providing reasonable
cause to believe that a violation of this chapter has occurred;
or
(2) a court requests an investigation.
Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Sec. 1704.252. DISCRETIONARY LICENSE SUSPENSION OR REVOCATION:
GROUNDS. After notice and hearing, a board may revoke or suspend
a license if the license holder:
(1) violates this chapter or a rule adopted by the board under
this chapter;
(2) fraudulently obtains a license under this chapter;
(3) makes a false statement or misrepresentation:
(A) in an application for an original or renewal license; or
(B) during a hearing conducted by the board;
(4) refuses to answer a question submitted by the board during a
hearing relating to the license holder's license, conduct, or
qualifications;
(5) is finally convicted under the laws of this state, another
state, or the United States of an offense that:
(A) is a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude or a felony; and
(B) is committed after August 27, 1973;
(6) is found by a court to be bankrupt or is insolvent;
(7) is found by a court to be mentally incompetent;
(8) fails to pay a judgment in accordance with Section 1704.204;
(9) pays commissions or fees to or divides commissions or fees
with, or offers to pay commissions or fees to or divide
commissions or fees with, a person or business entity not
licensed under this chapter;
(10) solicits bonding business in a building in which prisoners
are processed or confined;
(11) recommends to a client the employment of a particular
attorney or law firm in a criminal case;
(12) falsifies or fails to maintain a record required under this
chapter;
(13) fails to promptly permit the board, or a representative or
an agent of the board, of the county in which the license holder
is licensed to inspect a record required under this chapter;
(14) acts as a bail bond surety under a suspended or expired
license;
(15) fails two or more times to maintain the amount of security
required by Section 1704.160; or
(16) misrepresents to an official or an employee of the official
the amount for which the license holder may execute a bail bond
for purposes of obtaining the release of a person on bond.
Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Sec. 1704.253. MANDATORY LICENSE SUSPENSION OR REVOCATION:
GROUNDS. (a) A board shall immediately suspend a license if the
license holder fails to maintain the amount of security required
by Section 1704.160. A board is not required to provide notice or
a hearing before suspending a license under this subsection. A
license suspended under this subsection shall be immediately
reinstated if the license holder deposits or executes the amount
of security required by Section 1704.160.
(b) After notice and hearing as provided by Section 1704.254, a
board shall revoke a license if:
(1) the license holder fails to pay a judgment in accordance
with Section 1704.204; and
(2) the amount of security maintained by the license holder
under Section 1704.160 is insufficient to pay the judgment.
Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Sec. 1704.2535. FAILURE TO PAY FINAL JUDGMENT BY BAIL BOND
SURETY. (a) The board or its authorized representative shall
immediately notify the sheriff if a bail bond surety fails to pay
a final judgment of forfeiture as provided by Section
1704.204(a).
(b) After receiving notification, the sheriff may not accept any
bonds from the bail bond surety until the surety pays the
judgment.
(c) The bail bond surety's privilege to post bonds is reinstated
when the bail bond surety pays the judgment.
(d) A board is not required to provide notice or a hearing
before making the notification required by this section.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 942, Sec. 23, eff. June 20,
2003.
Sec. 1704.254. NOTICE AND HEARING. (a) Notice of a hearing to
suspend or revoke a license under this chapter must:
(1) be sent by certified mail to the last known address of the
license holder not later than the 11th day before the date of the
hearing;
(2) state each alleged violation of this chapter; and
(3) include a copy of any written complaint on which the hearing
will be based.
(b) The hearing is limited to each alleged violation stated in
the notice.
(c) During the hearing, the license holder:
(1) is entitled to an opportunity to be heard; and
(2) may present and cross-examine witnesses.
(d) The hearing must be recorded. A license holder may obtain a
copy of the record on request and payment of the reasonable costs
of transcription.
Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 942, Sec. 24, eff. June 20,
2003.
Sec. 1704.255. APPEAL; VENUE. (a) An applicant or a license
holder may appeal an order of a board denying an application for
a license or renewal of a license, or suspending or revoking a
license, by filing a petition in a district court in the county
not later than the 30th day after the date the person receives
notice of the denial, suspension, or revocation.
(b) An appeal filed under this section is an action against the
board. An applicant or a license holder may not bring the action
against an individual board member.
(c) The board may not assert a reason on appeal for an action by
the board that differs from the reasons specified in the board's
notice of hearing under Section 1704.254.
Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 942, Sec. 25, eff. June 20,
2003.
Sec. 1704.256. STANDARD OF JUDICIAL REVIEW. Judicial review of
an appeal filed under Section 1704.255 is by trial de novo in the
same manner as an appeal from a justice court to a county court.
Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Sec. 1704.257. EFFECT OF BOARD ORDER. (a) A board order
denying an application for a license or renewal of a license, or
suspending or revoking a license, becomes final on the 31st day
after the date the applicant or license holder receives notice of
the order unless the applicant or license holder files an appeal
under Section 1704.255.
(b) A board order appealed under Section 1704.255 has full force
and effect pending determination of the appeal.
Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
SUBCHAPTER G. PROHIBITED CONDUCT AND CRIMINAL PENALTIES
Sec. 1704.301. RETURN OF SECURITY. A bail bond surety may not
hold security for the payment of a bail bond fee or to assure the
principal's appearance in court for more than 30 days after the
date on which the owner of the security:
(1) requests return of the security in writing; and
(2) submits to the bail bond surety written evidence of the
conclusion of:
(A) the payment agreement; or
(B) all of the criminal cases for which the security was given.
Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 942, Sec. 26, eff. June 20,
2003.
Sec. 1704.302. PROHIBITED REFERRALS OF OR EMPLOYMENTS WITH
BONDING BUSINESS; OFFENSE. (a) A person in the bonding business
may not directly or indirectly give, donate, lend, or contribute,
or promise to give, donate, lend, or contribute, money or
property to an attorney, police officer, sheriff, deputy,
constable, jailer, or employee of a law enforcement agency for
the referral of bonding business.
(b) A person may not accept or receive from a license holder
money, property, or any other thing of value as payment for the
referral of bonding business unless the records of the board show
that the person is an agent or employee of the license holder.
(c) A person may not accept or receive from a license holder
money, property, or any other thing of value as payment for
employment with a bonding business if, within the preceding 10
years, the person has been convicted of a misdemeanor involving
moral turpitude or of a felony.
(d) A person commits an offense if the person violates this
section. An offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor.
Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1262, Sec. 13, eff. Sept. 1,
2001.
Sec. 1704.303. BAIL BOND SURETY ACTIVITY; OFFENSE. (a) A
person required to be licensed under this chapter may not execute
a bail bond unless the person holds a license issued under this
chapter.
(b) A person may not advertise as a bail bond surety in a county
unless the person holds a license issued under this chapter by a
bail bond board in that county. A person does not violate this
subsection if the person places an advertisement that appears in
more than one county and:
(1) the advertisement clearly indicates the county or counties
in which the person holds a license issued under this chapter;
and
(2) any local telephone number in the advertisement is a local
number only for a county in which the person holds a license
issued under this chapter.
(c) A person commits an offense if the person violates this
section. An offense under this section is a Class B misdemeanor.
Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1262, Sec. 14, eff. Sept. 1,
2001; Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1461, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001;
Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 942, Sec. 27, eff. June 20, 2003.
Sec. 1704.304. PROHIBITED RECOMMENDATIONS OR SOLICITATIONS;
OFFENSE. (a) A bail bond surety or an agent of a bail bond
surety may not recommend or suggest to a person for whom the bail
bond surety executes a bond the employment of an attorney or law
firm in connection with a criminal offense.
(b) The following persons may not recommend a particular bail
bond surety to another person:
(1) a police officer, sheriff, or deputy;
(2) a constable, jailer, or employee of a law enforcement
agency;
(3) a judge or employee of a court;
(4) another public official; or
(5) an employee of a related agency.
(c) A bail bond surety or an agent of a bail bond surety may not
solicit bonding business in a police station, jail, prison,
detention facility, or other place of detainment for persons in
the custody of law enforcement.
(d) A person may not place a device in a place of detention,
confinement, or imprisonment that dispenses a bail bond in
exchange for a fee.
(e) A person commits an offense if the person violates this
section. An offense under this section is a Class B misdemeanor.
Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1262, Sec. 15, eff. Sept. 1,
2001.
Sec. 1704.305. BAIL BOND RECEIPT AND INSPECTION; OFFENSE. (a)
A bail bond surety or an agent of a bail bond surety may not
receive money or other consideration or thing of value from a
person for whom the bail bond surety executes a bond unless the
bail bond surety or agent issues a receipt to the person as
provided by Subsection (b).
(b) The receipt must state:
(1) the name of the person who pays the money or transfers the
consideration or thing of value;
(2) the amount of money paid or the estimated amount of value
transferred;
(3) if the person transfers consideration or a thing of value, a
brief description of the consideration or thing of value;
(4) the style and number of the case and the court in which the
bond is executed; and
(5) the name of the person receiving the money, consideration,
or thing of value.
(c) A bail bond surety or an agent of a bail bond surety shall
retain a duplicate copy of a receipt issued under Subsection (a).
The copy of the receipt shall be made available for inspection
by:
(1) a representative of the board in any county in which the
bail bond surety is licensed; and
(2) an appointed representative of a court in which the bail
bond surety agrees to execute bail bonds.
(e) A person commits an offense if the person violates this
section. An offense under this section is a Class B misdemeanor.
Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Sec. 1704.306. RECORDS; OFFENSE. (a) A person commits an
offense if the person falsifies a record required to be
maintained under this chapter.
(b) An offense under this section is a Class B misdemeanor.
Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.