Virginia HB 63 Eliminates Surety Bond Requirement for Private SecurityVirginia HB 63 Repeals Surety Bond Option for Private Security Businesses

Mar 30 Posted on

private security

Photo by�Rob Sarmiento on Unsplash

House Bill 63 was passed in Virginia earlier this month, and it includes the repeal of a surety bond private security businesses could opt to use. The bill and bond repeal take effect on July 1, 2018.

What surety bond is being repealed?

The Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services requires those providing private security services to become licensed. The Department offers seventeen different types of security services licenses, including:

While many of these are individual licenses, private security services businesses are businesses that offer the services of any of the license classifications. HB 63 applies to business licenses, not individual licenses, and to certified private security services training schools.

Before HB 63’s passage, private security services business licensees could submit a surety bond in lieu of submitting proof of liability insurance coverage. HB 63 is removing that option, meaning licensees now need liability insurance. Check with the Department to ensure you obtain coverage in the proper amount.

If you maintained this bond previously, cancel the bond and obtain the required liability insurance. Failing to obtain proper insurance could result in fines of up to $2,500 per day, and the Department could suspend or revoke your license.

What else does HB 63 do?

HB 63 is not only a surety bond repeal. It also eliminates an experience requirement for private security business’ compliance agents. Compliance agents are individuals designated to ensure the business’s compliance with all state laws that apply to their license. Starting in July, compliance agents will no longer need to have either:

  • Three years’ managerial experience at a private security services business or law enforcement agency
  • Five years’ experience at a�private security services business or law enforcement agency

If you have more questions about this surety bond repeal, contact the Department of Criminal Justice Services. If you need a different surety bond, get in touch with Single Source Insurance today!

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Georgia Agricultural Products Dealers Need Surety Bond

Mar 28 Posted on

Georgia agricultural products

Georgia agricultural products dealers have to get licensed and bonded before beginning operations,. Keep reading to find out how it works.

Who is considered an agricultural products dealer?

First, let’s define agricultural products according to the Rules and Regulation of the State of Georgia:

  • Fruits
  • Vegetables
  • Pecans
  • Cotton

That definition does not include:

  • Dairy products
  • Tobacco
  • Eggs
  • Grains
  • Other basic farm crops

An agricultural products dealer, then, is anyone (individual, business entity, etc.) who buys, sells, exchanges, or otherwise deals in ag products after purchasing or receiving on consignment ag products from an agricultural products producer or their representative. The Georgia Department of Agriculture issues ag products dealers’ licenses and requires the surety bond. Here’s some of what information you’ll provide on the application:

  • Business and applicant name
  • Business ownership type and names of other owners
  • Names of agents or buyers that represent the applicant in Georgia
  • Type of agricultural products to be handled
  • Surety bond

Once completed, mail the application and bond to:

Georgia Department of Agriculture
Markets Division
340 Agricultural Building
19 Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr. SW
Atlanta, GA 30334

Who else needs a surety bond?

Georgia agricultural products dealers aren’t the only professionals in the industry who need a bond. According the Department, anyone holding these licenses also need similar bonds:

  • Cotton dealers and warehouses
  • Grain dealers and warehouses
  • Brokers/sales agents of agricultural products
  • Distributors of agricultural products
  • Chain stores
  • Livestock/equine sales establishments
  • Livestock/equine dealers
  • Livestock/equine brokers/livestock sales agents

Contact the Department’s Bonding Section for more information on getting licenses and bonds for those professions.

Getting bonded

The amount of bond coverage Georgia agricultural products dealers need depends on the highest dollar value of business done in one month with producers in the state. If the dealer is new to business, they will use the highest estimated one-month dollar amount. This bond is required to guarantee the dealer’s accurate payment to any producers, agents, or representatives they do business with. Should the ag products dealer violate the terms of the bond, its coverage provides a means for any damaged parties to seek reimbursement.

Ready to get the Georgia agricultural products dealer surety bond? Single Source Insurance is ready to help!�

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How to Get Licensed as a New York City For-Hire Vehicle Base Station

Mar 26 Posted on

for-hire vehicle

New York City limousine and other for-hire vehicle base stations need to get a license and surety bond before they can begin offering services.

What’s a for-hire vehicle base station?

New York for-hire vehicle base stations are the locations from which for-hire vehicles are dispatched. The New York City Taxi & Limousine Commission (TLC) licenses for-hire vehicle bases as either livery, black car, or luxury limousine bases. For-hire vehicles cannot be taxis or commuter buses and must hold 20 or fewer passengers with three or more doors. Here’s the difference between the three license types:

  • Livery base stations dispatch for-hire livery vehicles that have been reserved ahead of time�what you might think of as a car service. Livery vehicles carry six or fewer passengers and charge based on mileage, time, or another predetermined metric.
  • Black car base stations also dispatch vehicles on a pre-arranged basis, but the vehicles are owned by franchisees of the base station or are members of the cooperative that operates the base station. In addition, more than 90% of the base’s business must be paid by a method other than direct cash payments from the customer.
  • Luxury limousine base stations dispatch pre-arranged limousines, and like black car base stations, 90% of business is not done via cash payments from customers. And, like livery base stations, limousine stations charge by the mile, by the minute or flat rate. Limousines seat 20 or fewer passengers.

For-hire vehicle base station licensees must schedule an appointment with the NYC TLC in order to submit their applications and fees. Each license type is required to submit proof of insurance coverage in varying amounts, and all vehicles affiliated with the base station need to be on file with the TLC. See the TLC’s extensive resources to be sure you don’t miss a step in the application process.

How to get licensed and bonded

In addition to licenses and insurance, for-hire vehicle base stations in New York City need to be bonded in the amount of $5,000. The surety bond is to protect the city of New York if the licensee violates the terms of the bond and consequently, of their license. If you are seeking this license, get familiar with the state laws pertaining to operating a for-hire vehicle base station.�All vehicles your base station uses as for-hire vehicles must be licensed by the TLC and have a current NYC commercial use motor vehicle tax stamp. If you are fined any civil penalties and do not pay them, the city can file a claim against your bond.

Ready to become a licensed NYC for-hire vehicle base station? Get started by getting your surety bond with Single Source Insurance!

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Nebraska Alcoholic Beverage Licensees Need Surety Bond

Mar 23 Posted on

Nebraska alcoholic beverage

Photo by�Alice Donovan Rouse on Unsplash

In Nebraska, some alcoholic beverage licensees will need to get a surety bond along with their license. Keep reading to see who needs the bond.

Nebraska alcoholic beverage seller licensing

If you’re seeking an alcoholic beverage seller’s license in Nebraska, it will be issued by the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission. These are the license classifications that need a surety bond:

Linked above are the license applications for each of those classes�you can find other licensing forms here. The Commission also provides a guide for licensees with a quick rundown of the information they’ll need to provide the state depending on the type of business the licensee applies as (LLC, corporation, etc.). The Commission also provides an informational brochure of some helpful things to know as a liquor licensee. Here are a few key rules and regulations you need to know as a licensee:

  • Employees must be 19 years old before they can serve alcohol.
  • Alcohol cannot be sold, delivered, or dispensed between one and six a.m., and no alcohol can be consumed after 1:15 a.m.
  • Alcohol is not to be sold on Sunday, unless permitted by local ordinance.
  • Beer gardens must be fenced or walled in to prevent passing alcohol back and forth.
  • Liquor licenses must be framed and displayed, and renewed yearly.
  • Open containers of alcohol cannot leave the premises.

Because the sale and handling of alcoholic beverages is highly regulated, make sure you’re familiar with the Commission’s Rules and Regulations�and the Nebraska Liquor Control Act before beginning the license application process.

Why is this bond required?

The Commission requires certain alcoholic beverage licensees to get a surety bond as a guarantee that the licensee will pay their taxes on time and in the correct amount. The amount of bond that’s required varies depending on the license type, but a minimum bond of $1,000 is specified, except for wholesalers who must post a minimum $5,000 bond. This prevents the state from losing money for nonpayment of taxes. Be aware that if a claim is filed against your bond and subsequently proven and paid out, you’ll need to reimburse the surety company for the amount of the paid claim.

Refer to��53-164.01 of the Nebraska Revised Statutes for more information on paying taxes and calculating surety bond liability amounts. If you’re ready to get a Nebraska alcoholic beverage tax bond, get in touch with Single Source Insurance today!

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Washington Cosmetology Schools’ Licenses and Surety Bonds

Mar 21 Posted on

Washington cosmetology

Washington cosmetology schools need to obtain business licenses and surety bonds before they can accept students and offer classes. Keep reading to learn more about how to get licensed.

Washington cosmetology school licenses

Before you can begin the process of getting a Washington cosmetology school license, you’ll need to apply for a business license with the state Department of Revenue. You’ll receive a Unified Business Identifier (UBI) to include with your cosmetology school application. Schools that will offer instruction in the following services are licensed in the same way as cosmetology schools with the Department of Licensing:

  • Hair design
  • Barbering
  • Esthetics and master esthetics
  • Manicuring
  • Instructor training

The following is some of the information Washington cosmetology schools need to provide on the application:

  • School name, physical and/or mailing addresses, and phone number
  • Types of services for which instruction will be offered
  • Type of business (LLC, corporation, etc.)
  • Name and contact information for authorized owners

In addition to a completed application, schools need to send in some documentation:

You’ll mail this information to this address:

Cosmetology Program
Department of Licensing
PO Box 3856
Seattle, WA 98124-3856

Once your school receives its license, it must be displayed in the reception area of the school. Licenses expire every two years, and you can renew up to 120 days before expiration. On-time renewal incurs a $300 renewal fee, while late renewal is $475. Licenses expired more than one year are cancelled. If you are a cosmetology professional, you’ll also apply for a license with the Department of Licensing.

How to get this surety bond

Washington cosmetology schools need a surety bond in an amount determined by finding 10% of the school’s annual gross tuition�the bond cannot be less than that amount or $10,000, whichever is greater, and can’t exceed $50,000. The bond protects students in the event that you, the licensee, unexpectedly close the school or otherwise violate the terms of the bond and cause students to incur financial damages.

Ready to get a Washington cosmetology school license? Get in touch with Single Source Insurance to get your free bond quote today!

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Licenses and Surety Bonds 101: California Contractors

Mar 19 Posted on

California contractors

When California contractors apply for their license, they need to get a license surety bond. Keep reading for a rundown of the basics of getting your license and bond.

California contractor licensing

The Contractors State License Board, a division of the Department of Consumer Affairs, is the licensing entity for California contractors. If the cost of a contract is more than $500, a license is required to perform the contracting work. To be eligible for a license, applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • At least 18 years old
  • Possess a valid Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer ID number
  • At least four verifiable years of experience (within the previous 10 years) as a foreman, contractor, supervisor, or journeyman in the classification being applied for

Licensees do not have to be residents of California, and education may be counted as years of experience.�California contractors licenses are issued based on the kind of work the contractor will do, and contractors can add more than one classification to their license:

  • Class A�general engineering contractors
  • Class B�general building contractors
  • Class C�specialty contractors

Specialty contractors choose from several areas of expertise, including concrete, drywall, roofing, and solar. Contractors that specialize in asbestos removal might be required to pass an exam.�The California Contractors License Law & Reference Book provides detailed information about this license and the classifications—get familiar with it before submitting your application.

Contractor bonds

A surety bond bond is a common requirement to obtain many licenses, including contractor licenses, across the U.S. And contractors often need several different surety bonds. In California, contractors need:

  • $15,000 license bond (increased from $12,500 January 2016)
  • $100,000 wage bond if applicant is an LLC
  • $12,500 qualifying individual/qualifier bond (if applicable)
  • $15,000-$150,000 disciplinary bond

The license bond protects consumers if the contractor breaks state law and consequently, the terms of the bond. The $100,000 wage bond for LLCs protects employees from nonpayment of wages. Qualifying individuals are the direct supervisors of operations and ensure the business is in compliance with the law at all times. Under some circumstances, California requires that person to be bonded. See the license application to find out if you will need that bond. The disciplinary bond may be required by the Board if the licensee has been disciplined in the past.

Ready to get your California contractors bond? Get in touch with Single Source Insurance today!

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Mississippi HB 1525 Establishes Scenic River Development Alliance

Mar 16 Posted on

Scenic River Development Alliance

The Mississippi Scenic River Development Alliance (SRDA) is now an officially recognized organization by the state legislature. HB 1525 took effect with its passage on February 21, 2018.

What is the SRDA?

The Scenic River Development Alliance is a partnership between Amite, Pike, Franklin, Wilkinson, and Walthall counties and the city of McComb (in Pike County) that was originally established in 2012. It was formed to promote outdoor recreation on the rivers and in state parks in the southwest corner of the state—the Scenic Rivers Region. And while SRDA’s main objective will not change with HB 1525’s passage, recognition by the state means that the organization now has the state’s permission to collect funds and manage and develop land. In addition, SRDA employees are now employees of the state, entitling them to retirement benefits and other state-employee benefits.

As a state agency, SRDA can accept funds from any counties, municipalities, or private donors that wish to donate. Since SRDA is now state-recognized, those donations are public funds and HB 1525 requires that they are kept in the SRDA Economic Development Fund. SRDA can also acquire land�through gifts, purchase, or otherwise�to be used for tourism, industrial parks, recreation, or other economic development purposes.

Where do surety bonds come in?

HB 1525 not only makes SRDA employees state employees, it allows the Alliance to appoint trustees. Trustees’ main purpose is to vote on how SRDA funds are used. SRDA can appoint two trustees per participating county, municipality or member agency, plus two at-large trustees.�This is where bonds come in. Each trustee must be bonded in the amount of $50,000, with premiums paid by the SRDA fund. The surety bonds ensure that the trustees will act ethically and in the best interests of the state.

Ready to get a surety bond in Mississippi? Single Source Insurance can help�get a free quote today!�

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New York Watch, Guard, and Patrol Agencies Need License and Bond

Mar 14 Posted on

patrol agencies

New York watch, guard, and patrol agencies, as well as private investigators, need to get a license and a surety bond from the state to operate within the law. Find out how to get licensed and bonded.

Getting a license

New York patrol agencies and private investigators become licensed through the Division of Licensing Services in the Department of State. Eligibility criteria for the license includes:

  • At least 25 years old
  • Principal in the applying business
  • No disqualifying criminal convictions
  • Two years’ experience or two years’ equivalent position and experience
  • Pass thewritten exam within the previous two years

Before applying, the Department recommends getting familiar with agency and investigator licensing laws. Here’s some of the information you’ll need to provide when you apply:

  • Application type
  • Business type (LLC, individual, corporation, etc.)
  • DBA name, if applicable
  • Applicant’s personal information, including date of birth
  • Business address and contact information
  • Applicant’s residence history from previous three years
  • Five character witnesses per applicant
  • $10,000 surety bond

If your business will have more than one branch, you will need to submitseparate applications for each branch. Watch, guard, and patrol agencies will pay a $300 fee for an individual, proprietary license, plus $300 per branch location. For a corporate license, the fee is $400 for the initial license, plus $400 for additional locations. Private investigators will pay $400 for their proprietary license, or $500 for a corporate license, and will pay the respective amounts for more business locations. Those may not be the only fees you’ll pay; consult the Department’s fee schedule for more information. Licenses are valid for two years.

How to get bonded

New York watch, guard, and patrol agencies can get bonded easily with Single Source Insurance. If you have a solid credit history, you could pay as little as 1% of this bond’s total $10,000 amount�that’s only $100. The bond protects consumers, giving them an avenue to seek reimbursement if you violate the terms of your license and cause them financial damages. Get a free quote today!

Bail enforcement agents

Bail enforcement agents submit the same application as patrol agencies and private investigators, and they also need to get a surety bond. However, their�bond is much larger at $500,000, since the state has determined a higher amount of risk is associated with that line of work.

Ready to get your New York surety bond? Single Source Insurance can help�call today!

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Surety Bonds for Arkansas Arcade Game Operators

Mar 12 Posted on

Arkansas arcade

Photo by�Carl Raw on Unsplash

Arkansas arcade game operators need to register and get a surety bond before they can do business in the state.

What’s a coin-operated amusement machine?

In the state of Arkansas, arcade games fall under the coin-operated amusement machine umbrella. Here are a few of the other games the definition includes:

  • Pinball machines
  • Claw and crane machines
  • Target or shooting gallery machines
  • Skeeball
  • Air hockey
  • Coin-operated billiards or pool

The definition explicitly excludes these coin-operated amusement machines:

  • Machine for playing poker, blackjack, or any variant of those games
  • Vending machines
  • Pay phones
  • Gumball machines
  • Parking meters
  • Washing machines and dryers

Getting registered and bonded

Arkansas arcade game operators register with the Department of Finance and Administration. Registration is required to ensure all game operators pay the required privilege taxes annually ($5 per machine per year), as well as their annual license fees:

  • $500 for one-three machines
  • $1,000 for four or more machines

To be eligible for licensure, the applicant must be at least 21 years old and a resident of Arkansas for at least one year. Follow the Department’s instructions and submit the following documents to get a permit:

Those forms register the arcade game operator as a taxpaying entity in the state of Arkansas and allow applicants to apply for the machine decals for their games. Each game needs a decal that displays the licensee’s license number, and those decals must be renewed annually.�Use form AMU-AR if you need more decals throughout the year. Renew your permit by July 1 each year.

Game operators using coin-operated machines exclusively at carnivals and fairs and operating less than three months per calendar year pay a smaller permit fee and do not need a surety bond�unless they exceed the three months their permit allows.

Ready to open an Arkansas arcade? Get your coin-operated amusement machine surety bond today from Single Source Insurance!�

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How To Get A Louisiana Auto Dealer License

Mar 9 Posted on

Louisiana auto dealers

Photo by�toine Garnier on Unsplash

Louisiana auto dealers need a license and surety bond if they sell new or used vehicles in the state. Two different organizations issue dealer licenses, and surety bond amounts vary. Keep reading to find out how to get licensed and bonded, or use our convenient online form to apply for a dealer bond today.

Get Bonded

Used Auto Dealer License Requirements

Louisiana auto dealers selling used cars are licensed by the state Used Motor Vehicle Commission. If you sell five or more cars in a calendar year, you’ll need this license. On the application, dealers must specify which types of used vehicles they will sell (cars, boats, trailers, motorcycles, etc.). Here are some of the requirements used car dealers must meet:

  • Established place of business (leased or owned)
  • At least one salesperson
  • Attend an Educational Training Seminar
  • Obtain a $50,000 surety bond (as of August 2016)
  • Obtain garage liability insurance
  • Zoning verification from local zoning authority
  • Permanent business sign
  • Business phone number

Once an application is under review, the business location will be inspected. When they are issued, licenses are valid from the date issued or January 1, whichever date is later, and expire December 31. The license costs $400 for the two-year term. Give the licensing requirements a thorough read before applying.

The surety bond required of used auto dealers increased in 2016 to $50,000, up from either $20,000 or $35,000, depending on how many cars the dealer sold.

New Auto Dealer License Requirements

Louisiana auto dealers selling new cars in the state go through a similar licensing process with the Motor Vehicle Commission. Their places of business must also be correctly zoned, and each business location needs a license. They also need a surety bond in a lessor amount, $20,000. Like the used car dealer bond, this bond protects consumers if the dealer breaks the law and causes them financial damage.

Licensing periods are a little more complicated for new car dealers�their license is valid for two years, and the period depends on which Commission district you are in (there are eight). Find which counties are in which district here, and then find your licensing period here in �32.1254. If you’re interested in applying to be an auto dealer in Louisiana, contact the Commission at (504) 838-5207 for forms and more information—the forms are not available online.

Ready to get a Louisiana dealer license? Get started by getting a quote for your surety bond today!�

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