Missouri's bail bond laws could be getting an overhaul.

A statewide tour of public meetings stopped in Springfield today.

Last year, a statute was passed that mandated the Department of Insurance to hold these hearings.

Now legislators, law officers, and members of the bond industry and Missouri courts are coming together to discuss changes.

A 15-member committee is heading up the review process.  Meetings similar to this one in Springfield are being held across the state.

When courts issue a bond, a bail bond agent posts money for a jailed person so they can be free while awaiting their court date. 

If a suspect fails to appear, it's the agent's job to ensure their return to court.

This review meeting coincidentally comes on the heels of an incident in Springfield on Sunday night.

Police were called to a home after bonding agents allegedly forced entry into the wrong house.

People at today's meeting say every industry has room for improvement.

They say that's the purpose of these hearings.

"One of the bigger issues that has come up is people don't want any felons in the bail bond industry. The other issue is the qualification of bonds men," said bail bond agent Angela Park.

Judge Dan Conklin of the 31st Judicial Court added, "some judges require more than others. It makes it difficult. If you operate out of more than one jurisdiction, you don't know what's coming next."

The Insurance Department will present the results of today's hearing and a survey sent to bonding agents to the Legislature in January.