New Law Has Been Signed

March 26th, 2004

Dear Washington State Bail Bond and Bail Enforcement Agencies,

Today a victory was achieved for Washington State Bail Bond and Bail Bond Enforcement Agencies. Substitute House Bill 2313 “Regulating bail bond recovery agents” was signed into law by Governor Gary Locke.

Present for the signing ceremony were:


Rep. Mike Carrell, (Sponsor)
State Representative 28th Legislative District

Shirley Williams, President
Washington State Bail Agents Association

Gordon Walgren, Lobbyist
Washington State Bail Agents Association

Mary Haglund, Bail Bond & Security
WA State Department of Licensing

C.J. Johnson, Owner
C.J. Johnson Bail Bonds

Jon W. Fitzpatrick, Owner
Fugitive Recovery Specialists


I would like to thank everyone involved for their hard work, dedication and desire to have this bill pass Legislation. Special thanks go to Representative Mike Carrell for his determination to protect Washington State residents and their families from irresponsible and untrained “bounty hunters.”

SHB 2313 will soon enter the rule making process and eventually revise and change RCW 18.185 and WAC 308.19 as we currently know it.

Bail Bond Recovery Agents currently operating in Washington State need to be informed of these changes and have an opportunity to have their voices heard during the rule making process.

Bail Bond Recovery Agents now have an available option here in Washington to be a part of a new association which has knowledge of the Bail Enforcement Industry and can guarantee that their voices will be heard and recognized.

I would like to take this time to introduce -

Washington State Fugitive Recovery and Bail Enforcement Agent’s Association

Although this association is still “under construction” it is time to get the word out and utilize our networking capabilities to be as informative as possible toward those interested in remaining in the Bail Bond Enforcement industry.

I would like to give everyone an opportunity to become a member, be heard and be recognized as professional and responsible Bail Bond Recovery Agents.

Currently, it is my intention to introduce this association, see who is interested and build from there. I am intending to offer several types of memberships such as general, active, professional and Corporate.

Please send all comments and suggestions to me and I will respond as I get them.

Sincerely,



Jon W. Fitzpatrick
President