(a) Each application for a transient merchant registration certificate shall be accompanied by a registration fee of fifty dollars ($50.00) and by a cash bond or a surety bond issued by a corporate surety authorized to do business in the state in the amount of two thousand dollars ($2,000) or five percent (5%) of the wholesale value of any goods, wares, merchandise, or services to be offered for sale, whichever sum is lesser.
(b) The surety bond shall be in favor of the State of Arkansas and shall assure the payment by the applicant of all taxes that may be due from the applicant to the state or any political subdivision of the state, the payment of any fines that may be assessed against the applicant or its agents or employees for violation of the provisions of this subchapter, and for the satisfaction of all judgments that may be rendered against the transient merchant or its agents or employees in any cause of action commenced by any purchaser of goods, wares, merchandise, or services within one (1) year from the date of the sale by the transient merchant.
(c) The bonds shall be maintained so long as the transient merchant conducts business in the county and for a period of one (1) year after the termination of the business. The bonds shall be released only when the transient merchant furnishes satisfactory proof to the county clerk that it has satisfied all claims of purchasers of goods, wares, merchandise, or services from the merchant and that all state and local sales taxes and other taxes have been paid.