Which of the following is required before issuing a bond?

To issue a bond, a bail bondsman must possess a valid business license and evidence of financial stability. This is crucial because it ensures that the bondsman is legally authorized to operate within the state and is capable of fulfilling their financial obligations. The business license signifies compliance with state regulations, which is a vital requirement for maintaining trust and accountability in the bail bonds industry.

Furthermore, financial stability implies that the bondsman has sufficient resources to handle the financial responsibility of posting bail for defendants. Without this evidence of financial capability, there is a risk to both the bail bondsman and the justice system, as they might not be able to cover the bail amount in the event of a failure to appear by the defendant.

The other options do not encompass the necessary legal and financial prerequisites that safeguard the bail process. A simple background check alone would not ensure a bondsman's ability to operate legally or financially. Attendance at a conference, while potentially beneficial for knowledge and networking, is not a regulatory requirement. Similarly, a recommendation from a lawyer, although it could provide insight into the bondsman's credibility, does not replace the foundational requirements of legal licensing and financial stability.