The talk at this meeting was all about the PBT Legislative Committee's herculian efforts to derail the introduction of a 10% bond system in Texas. The committee's efforts were complimented by a very effective lobbying team and the willingness of a significant number of bondsmen to come to Austin to show opposition to SB 498.
Tarrant County Sheriff Dee Anderson was one of the guest speakers and shared with us his commitment to cooperation. He says cooperation worked extremely well between his department and the courts as well as the bonding community.

Tarrant County has four jails with a current population of 3680 inmates using only 80% of overall jail capacity. Tarrant County has a population of 1.6 million residents and boasts the largest single story jail facility, a former meat packing plant, The Green Bay Jail.

Tarrant County District Clerk Tom Wilder spoke on several issues but one point in particular was worth noting. Last year, Tarrant County received 2 million dollars in bond forfeiture revenue or 1.6 million dollars after expenses. Bondsmen do a great job getting their clients to court though a few bonds do have to be paid now and again. I believe it to be very positive for our industry when we can contribute to the local government rather than forfeiture money going to a state's general fund. The locals appreciate it more and thus have more appreciation for the local bonding community above and beyond its known impact on public safety.

PBT will once again be holding its annual meeting at the Menger Hotel in San Antonio. Check out www.PBTX.com for more information. I hope to see you there. I know I will be.