Pa. House Republicans: Klunk – Bills to Modernize Family Law Arbitration, Close Bail Bonds Loophole Approved by House

HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, Nov. 17 -- The Pennsylvania House Republicans issued the following news release:

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The House approved two key pieces of legislation to modernize bail bonds in Pennsylvania and formalize family law arbitration, announced Rep. Kate Klunk (R-Hanover), sponsor of the bills.

"In an ever-changing world, our legal system must keep pace with society. These bills provide just that, whether it be clients seeking arbitration in family law matters, such as divorce, or someone who was arrested and is seeking bail."

House Bill 1366, known as the Pennsylvania Family Law Arbitration Act, would create a statutory structure for the arbitration of family law disputes in Pennsylvania.

House Bill 2046 would amend existing definitions related to bail bondsmen and sureties in the criminal justice system. The legislation would establish that all sureties, whether the services are financially compensated or pro-bono, are properly licensed, maintain their insurance and report the activities of the person released on bail should they commit another crime. It would ensure all sureties and bondsmen are held to the same standards of professional accountability for the benefit of our communities and public safety.

"Community bail funds play a key role in the legal process but must be held to the same standards of professionalism and accountability as professional bondsmen. This would be accomplished through my bill by requiring all bail bondsman be licensed regardless of their compensation, putting everyone at parity. The legislation also provides oversight of an important aspect of our legal system."

Both bills now go to the Senate for consideration.