A Message From The President, Al Lopez

Dear Fellow Bail Agents,
 
The new CBAA board of directors has already been hard at work. We continue to work with our colleagues at The Golden State Bail Agents Association.  We have also partnered with GSBAA and hired Kathy Lynch as our lobbyist. Kathy has done a magnificent job keeping both associations focused to achieve our common goals.  

This past December CBAA was asked by the California Department of Insurance to participate in a conference to vet proposed CDI legislation.  CBAA, along with GSBAA and Kathy Lynch, were queried about our thoughts on this legislation.  This is the first time that anyone of us can remember that the CDI reached out to our industry.  I believe this only happened because the two associations are unified in our efforts.

Bail Kiosks or Credit Card bail is invading our State.  This is the most serious threat that surety bail has seen in many years.  These credit card entities are operating as bail agents without a license.  They are only in a few counties at this time. It is imperative that you as bail agents support our efforts to stop and eliminate this threat.  Your membership to CBAA is vital to our ability to advocate for surety bail. 

CBAA has partnered with the Professional Bail Agents of Santa Clara to minimize government funded pre-trial release. The Santa Clara agents have hired attorney Ash Pirayou to scrutinize the budget that funds this inefficient program.  Our hope is that a successful effort here will translate to successes in other counties.  This is an extensive and costly venture.  Any contribution you can give to this project would be greatly appreciated.

We are striving to better communicate with you and understand the issues that affect your livelihood. We have redesigned our website to be more informative and user friendly. You will hear from us on a regular basis when you sign up for our e-mail alerts. This technology will allow us to keep you informed without the costs of printing and postage.  (Sign up here). 
 
The new decade has brought with it new challenges for CBAA and the bail industry.  I look forward to working with the new CBAA board of directors as we address the issues that affect us all. 
 
Yours in Bail,
 Al Lopez
 CBAA, President