The time unfortunately has come … bail reform has hit California. Senate Bill 10 has passed the Senate Appropriations Committee with a 5-2 vote, posing a threat to all bail agents in California.

We assure you that Bankers Surety is stronger than ever and ready to take a stand in protecting the constitutional right to bail in California. Our goal is clear and we hope you will join us – OPPOSE Assembly Bill42 (AB-42) and Senate Bill10 (SB-10).  Make your voice heard and save your business! Right now it is more important than ever to personally reach out to your senator and assembly representatives and ask them to vote No on SB-10 and AB-42. Let them know that the bail industry cannot stand for this unlawful bill.

For your convenience, we have provided a list of assembly and senate representatives for you to contact directly. Also, here are some recommended guidelines for effective communication.  

Guidelines for Letters, E-mails, & Calls

When communicating with your representative or senator, your ability to influence depends on the points you make and how clear you make them. Keep it simple and brief.

• State your purpose in the first sentence. Don’t assume your legislator is aware of AB-42 or SB-10. Refer to it by its bill number or its title.
• Tell them exactly why you consider this legislation to be bad, and how you feel it would affect you and other citizens in your community. Include key information and use examples to support your position.
• Show familiarity with their voting record: “I was glad to see your support for ‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑ last year, and now I urge you to vote against SB-10.”
• Keep the letter to one page in length.
• Steer away from emotional outrage and threats.
• Thank members for voting the right way.
• Make sure your written communication is neatly typed or legibly written.
• Be sure to include your name and your full address.

 Letters

A letter is one of the primary means of access to decision makers by their constituents. Well thought out, clearly written personal letters (signed, dated, and bearing the sender’s address) will often be forwarded to the representative or senator as examples of constituent interest or response to an issue.

Emails

You can also use email to correspond with many representatives and senators. When corresponding by email it’s critical that you include your name and address in your email message, preferably at the top of the message. Most congressional offices have adequate staff resources to respond to their constituents, and your inclusion of your full name and mailing address will ensure that your member can identify your residence within his or her congressional district or state.

Phone Calls

Remember that phone calls are taken by a staff member, not the member of Congress. Ask to speak with the aide who handles the issue that you wish to comment. Often the person you wish to speak to will not be available and you will be asked if you want to leave a voice message. Always say yes, and treat your message exactly as if you were talking to a person.

After identifying yourself, tell the aide you would like to leave a brief message, such as: “Please tell senator/representative (Name) that I oppose AB-42 or SB-10.” You will also want to state reasons for your opposition to the bill, and maybe even ask for your senator’s or representative’s position on the bill.

Join Bankers Surety in the fight to preserve the Bail industry in the state of California today! We understand that getting rid of bail is not the solution, so have your voice be heard. Protect yourself and your business, but most importantly protect your community.