(a) At the time of filing an application for an escrow agent’s license, the applicant shall deposit with the commissioner a bond satisfactory to the commissioner in the amount of at least twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000). Thereafter, a licensee shall maintain a bond satisfactory to the commissioner in the amount of: (1) twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000) if 150 percent of the previous year’s average annual trust fund obligations, as calculated under Section 17348, equals two hundred fifty thousand dollars ($250,000) or less; (2) thirty-five thousand dollars ($35,000) if 150 percent of the previous year’s average annual trust fund obligations, as calculated under Section 17348, equals at least two hundred fifty thousand one dollars ($250,001) but not more than five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000); or (3) fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) if 150 percent of the previous year’s average annual trust fund obligations, as calculated under Section 17348, equals five hundred thousand one dollars ($500,001) or more. The bond shall run to the state for the use of the state and for any person who has cause against the obligor of the bond under the provision of this division. A deposit given instead of the bond required by this section shall not be deemed an asset of the applicant or licensee for the purpose of complying with Section 17210. An applicant or licensee may obtain an irrevocable letter of credit approved by the commissioner in lieu of the bond.

(b) Escrow agents licensed prior to January 1, 1986, shall comply with the requirements of subdivision (a) on or before July 1, 1986.

(Amended by Stats. 1985, Ch. 1560, Sec. 2. Effective October 2, 1985. Operative January 1, 1986, by Sec. 45 of Ch. 1560.)