Minnesota would require licenses and rules for bail enforcement agents

The state board would license bail enforcement agents and could deny, suspend, or revoke licenses under the listed rules. A bail enforcement agent is a person employed or contracted by a producer to arrest someone for whom the producer acts as a bonding agent. Applicants must complete 12 hours of certified training, required classroom education, and an exam; license holders must complete 12 hours of continuing education before renewal. Applicants must pay fees set by the board; the initial license fee must be at least $500, and renewal must be at least $250. A producer or surety must not hire or contract with an unlicensed agent to arrest someone for whom they act as bonding agent; a violation is a gross misdemeanor. The section barring producers and sureties from hiring unlicensed agents would take effect August 1, 2026, and apply to crimes committed on or after that date.

A bail enforcement agent must not help enforce specified federal immigration laws or give out a fugitive's identifying information for immigration enforcement without a valid court warrant or order. These rules apply to bail enforcement agents and identifying information about a bail fugitive. The restriction covers civil immigration laws and criminal immigration laws that penalize a person's presence, entry or reentry, or employment in the United States. The text does not restrict government entities or officials from sharing, requesting, or keeping immigration status information.

When arresting a defendant for a surety, a licensed agent must carry authority papers, wear clearly marked clothing, keep arrest records for seven years, and notify local police. These rules apply when a licensed bail enforcement agent arrests a defendant for a surety acting as the defendant's bonding agent. If urgent circumstances prevent advance notice, the agent must notify local police immediately after the arrest and explain the circumstances within three working days if asked. An agent must not forcibly enter a home except as allowed by section 629.39. The agent may carry a weapon only with the proper permit and in compliance with applicable laws. A person who violates these arrest rules is guilty of a gross misdemeanor. Except in urgent circumstances, agents must notify local police before attempting an arrest. If they cannot give advance notice, they must notify police immediately after the arrest.