Bounty hunter license proposal advances in Kansas Senate

Bounty hunters would have to get a state license to legally work in Kansas under legislation advanced by the state Senate on Monday.

HB 2056, which passed by an initial voice vote Monday, seeks to bring tighter regulation to the bail bonds industry.

Bail bonds enforcement agents – often referred to as bounty hunters – would have to undergo a criminal background check before being approved for a license through the state attorney general’s office.

The attorney general’s office also would have the authority to revoke licenses.

No license is required now.

Sen. Greg Smith, R-Overland Park, said the lack of regulation of the industry had caused problems.

He cited a 2015 case in Kansas City, Kan., in which two men allegedly posed as bounty hunters to gain access to a home and sexually assault a woman.

Smith said people working as bail bonds enforcement agents would be required to show their state license while working in the field.

He said the bail bonds industry supported the efforts for more accountability.

This story was originally published March 21, 2016 at 4:43 PM with the headline "Bounty hunter license proposal advances in Kansas Senate."