Connecticut Lawmakers Want Overhaul of Bail Bondsmen System

Connecticut lawmakers say it’s time to reform Connecticut’s bail bondsmen system.

Legislators held a hearing today on a bill that would subject bondsmen to testing and routine training, and allow the public safety commissioner to suspend or revoke their licenses if there’s misconduct.

The legislation would also transfer oversight of bail bondsmen to the Public Safety Department from the Insurance Department.

State Representative Michael Lawlor of East Haven says federal indictments of bail bondsmen and police in New Haven in an alleged bribery scheme show the need for reforms.

There’s also evidence that some bail bondsmen are illegally undercutting one another to attract business, which has allowed some dangerous criminals to pay little to no bail before getting out on the streets.

Governor M. Jodi Rell supports the reforms.

Similar proposals have died in the legislature in the past.