Bail: premiums.

Existing law provides for the procedure of approving and accepting bail, and issuing an order for the appearance and release of an arrested person. Existing law generally regulates the undertaking of bail and the licensing of bail agents and bail solicitors by the Insurance Commissioner. This bill would, on and after January 1, 2022, prohibit an insurer, bail agent, or other bail licensee from entering into a contract, agreement, or undertaking of bail that requires the payment of more than one premium for the duration of the agreement, and would require the duration of the agreement to be until bail is exonerated. The bill would additionally prohibit an insurer, bail agent, or other bail licensee from charging, collecting, or receiving a renewal premium in connection with a contract, agreement, or undertaking of bail after that date. The bill would also make these prohibitions apply to an insurer or insurance licensee with regard to immigration bonds on and after July 1, 2022. The bill would additionally make an insurer, insurance licensee, bail agent, or other bail licensee liable to the person affected by a violation of these provisions for all damages that person sustains plus $3,000 in statutory damages, and court costs and reasonable attorney's fees, as specified. The bill would state that its provisions are severable.