Bill would now repeal disputed bail bonds requirement

A bill repealing a controversial measure dealing with bail bondsmen was tacked onto an insurance bill Thursday. 

Late in the 2012 session, the General Assembly passed a bill giving the N.C. Bail Agents Association the exclusive right to conduct continuing education courses for bail bondsmen. 

A Wake County Superior Court Judge has found that the law was a grant of a monopoly, something that's illegal under the state constitution. The order preventing enforcement of the bill is on appeal to the state Court of Appeals. 

But in the House Thursday, Rep. Robert Brawley, R-Iredell, offered an amendment to an unrelated bill dealing with small group health insurance. The amendment repeals the 2012 law, citing the courts ruling. Bail bonds and insurance are related because the state's commission of insurance regulates bondsmen. 

The amendment was attached to the bill with little debate. The full measure is due to receive final approval next week.