Generally revise bail bonds laws

The minimum age to apply for a surety bail bond insurance license was increased from 18 to 21 years old.

The education requirement was changed from a flexible standard determined by the commissioner to a strict requirement of a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent document.

Training requirements were restructured: new applicants must now complete a 16-hour basic course, while existing licensed agents must complete a 40-hour course.

New specific training topics were added, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), nonlethal weapons, and the safe retention of weapons.

The supervision requirement for temporary licenses was updated to mandate that supervisors have been actively in business in Montana for at least five consecutive years.

Added a new option for applicants to qualify as 'full-time agents' within the state, removing the strict requirement to maintain a principal place of business for this category.

Established a two-tier training system: a 16-hour basic course for new applicants and a 40-hour course for existing licensed agents.

Reorganized the list of required training topics, shifting from a single 40-hour block to distinct modules for constitutional law, civil liability, use of force, and field operations.

Revised supervision requirements for temporary licenses, specifying that supervisors must have been active in the business for at least five consecutive years.

The minimum age for applicants to obtain a surety bail bond insurance license was increased from 18 to 21 years old.

A new requirement was added stating that the commissioner must find that granting a license is in the public interest before issuing it.

The bill number was changed from LC 3077 to HB 726.1, and page headers were updated to reflect the new bill number.