MS Resident Agent Countersignature Requirements

On behalf of the National Association of Surety Bond Producers (NASBP), a national trade association representing professional surety bond producers, including licensed resident and non-resident agents doing business in Mississippi, I am contacting you about the surety bond requirements contained in the Mississippi Standard Specifications for State Aid Road and Bridge Construction, 2004 Edition. It has come to our attention that “Section S-102.08—Proposal Guaranty” and “Section S-103.05—Requirement of Contract Bond” contain stipulations that these bonds must be signed or countersigned by a “Mississippi resident agent.” “Section S103.05—Requirement of Contract Bond” further states that the contract bond or bonds be “procured from” and the “premium paid to” a Mississippi resident agent. It is our strong belief that these specification requirements run counter to Mississippi and Federal law.

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