2005 Washington Revised Code RCW 18.185.260: Bail bond recovery agents — Prelicense training/testing requirements — Continuing education requirements — Rules.

(1) The director shall adopt rules establishing prelicense training and testing requirements, which shall include a minimum of four hours of classes. The director may establish, by rule, continuing education requirements for bail bond recovery agents.

     (2) The director shall consult with representatives of the bail bond industry and associations before adopting or amending the prelicensing training or continuing education requirements of this section.

     (3) A bail bond recovery agent need not fulfill the prelicensing training requirements of this chapter if he or she, within sixty days prior to July 1, 2005, provides proof to the director that he or she previously has met the training requirements of this chapter.

     (4) The director, or the director's designee, with the advice of representatives of the bail bond industry and associations, law enforcement agencies and associations, and prosecutors' associations, shall adopt rules establishing prelicense training and testing requirements and shall establish minimum exam standards necessary for a bail bond recovery agent to qualify for licensure or endorsement.

     (5) The standards shall be limited to the following:

     (a) A minimum level of education or experience appropriate for performing the duties of a bail bond recovery agent;

     (b) A minimum level of knowledge in relevant areas of criminal and civil law;

     (c) A minimum level of knowledge regarding the appropriate use of force and different degrees of the use of force; and

     (d) Adequate training of the use of firearms from the criminal justice training commission or from an instructor who has been trained or certified by the criminal justice training center.

     (6) The legislature does not intend, and nothing in this chapter shall be construed to restrict or limit in any way the powers of bail bond agents as recognized in and derived from the United States supreme court case of Taylor v. Taintor, 16 Wall. 366 (1872).

[2004 c 186 § 5.]

Legislative recognition--2004 c 186: See note following RCW 18.185.010.