(a) A professional bondsman may accept collateral security or other indemnity on a bail bond.

(b) If collateral security or other indemnity was received on a bail bond by a professional bondsman and such bond is terminated, such bondsman shall return the collateral security or other indemnity, except a promissory note or an indemnity agreement, not later than twenty-one days after receipt of a written report from the court that the bail bond has been terminated. Such collateral security or other indemnity shall be returned to the person who gave the collateral security or other indemnity unless another disposition is provided for by legal assignment to another person of the right to receive the return of the collateral security or other indemnity. If, despite diligent inquiry by the professional bondsman to determine whether the bail bond has been terminated, the court fails to provide any written report on termination, the collateral security or other indemnity, except a promissory note or an indemnity agreement, shall be returned to the person who provided the collateral security or other indemnity not later than twenty-one days after the professional bondsman has become aware that the bail bond has been terminated.

(c) No fee or other charge shall be deducted from the collateral security or other indemnity due, except that actual and reasonable expenses incurred by a professional bondsman in the apprehension of a defendant because of a forfeiture of a bail bond or judgment may be deducted if such expenses are accounted for.

(d) Any person who violates this section shall be subject to the penalties for larceny under sections 53a-122 to 53a-125b, inclusive, depending on the amount involved.

(P.A. 11-45, S. 22.)