By: Associated Press//June 5, 2013//
MADISON, Wis. (AP) – The Legislature’s budget committee has approved creating a private, commercial bail bond system in five counties in Wisconsin before it would expand statewide after five years.
The provision would initially allow private bail bonds in Dane, Kenosha, Milwaukee, Racine and Waukesha counties. Bail bond agents would have to pay the state a $1,000 licensure fee. Recovery agents would have to be licensed private detectives and wouldn’t be allowed to display badges.
The county clerks would have to produce reports on how bail bondsmen have operated six months before the system expands statewide.
Gov. Scott Walker vetoed a bail bond system in the 2011-2013 budget. Asked whether the governor will veto this provision as well, his spokesman said only that Walker will review the budget when it reaches his desk.