AN ACT Relating to prohibiting general power of attorney provisions in bail bond agreements; and adding a new section to chapter 18.185 RCW.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1.  A new section is added to chapter 18.185 RCW to read as follows:

Entering into a contract, including a general power of attorney, that gives a bail bond agent full authority over a person's finances, assets, real property, or personal property creates a presumption of unprofessional conduct that may be overcome by a preponderance of the evidence presented to the department to the contrary. The department has the discretion to determine whether or not the bail bond agency or agent has overcome the presumption and if unprofessional conduct was committed.

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