New Law in New Jersey for Bounty Hunters

New Jersey is starting to crack down on bounty hunters who sometimes act like they're in the Wild West.

A 2006 state law that's now taking effect requires bounty hunters to be at least 25 years old and have at least five years' experience in law enforcement or as a private investigator.

New Jersey also will offer a 16-hour training course in November.

State police say some bounty-hunting schools hand out badges and certification that have no legal standing. They say one school instructed students to pepper-spray anyone who answers the door at the home of a person being sought.

In a 2005 case, two bounty hunters handcuffed a Rutherford woman and drove her 35 miles before she convinced them she was the wrong person.

New Bounty Hunter Laws

Bounty hunters would have to take at least 32 hours of training and receive a state license under a bill that has passed the Legislature.

The state Bail Bond Association supported the bill that now goes to the governor.

Unlike police, bounty hunters may force their way into a house without a warrant to find bail jumpers.

The Department of Licensing proposed the law after the Tacoma News Tribune reported bounty hunters were entering the wrong homes and arresting wrong people.

Connecticut Wants Big Changes to 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.

Briefs From the State Capitol

State lawmakers are considering legislation that would transfer oversight of the state's troubled bail bondsmen system from the Insurance Department to the Public Safety Department.

The bill, discussed Monday at a public hearing, would also subject bail bondsmen to testing and routine training, and allow the public safety commissioner to suspend or revoke their licenses if they commit misconduct.

Rep. Michael Lawlor, D-East Haven, co-chairman of the legislature's Judiciary Committee, said multiple federal indictments of New Haven bail bondsmen and city police officers involved in a bribery scheme point to the need for reforms this session.

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

"This could have been prevented with the right oversight," said Lawlor, who expects more indictments. "It would not have gotten out of control."

Lawlor said the Public Safety Department, which oversees the state police, is better equipped to oversee the bail bondsmen than the Insurance Department, which typically handles various insurance matters.

Gov. M. Jodi Rell supports reform of the system, her spokesman said.

"The need for bail bonds reform is not new," said Christopher Cooper. "The bills have been put forth in each of the last several years, but never did get passed out of committee. What would be new would be legislative action on the issue."