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<ns0:ActionText>INTRODUCED</ns0:ActionText>
<ns0:ActionDate>2026-03-11</ns0:ActionDate>
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<ns0:ActionText>AMENDED_ASSEMBLY</ns0:ActionText>
<ns0:ActionDate>2026-04-08</ns0:ActionDate>
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<ns0:AuthorText authorType="LEAD_AUTHOR">Introduced by Committee on Judiciary (Assembly Members Kalra (Chair), Bauer-Kahan, Bryan, Connolly, Harabedian, Pacheco, Papan, Stefani, and Zbur)</ns0:AuthorText>
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<ns0:House>ASSEMBLY</ns0:House>
<ns0:Name>Committee on Judiciary</ns0:Name>
<ns0:Members>Assembly Members Kalra (Chair), Bauer-Kahan, Bryan, Connolly, Harabedian, Pacheco, Papan, Stefani, and Zbur</ns0:Members>
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<ns0:Title> An act to amend Sections 6007, 6046.7, 6070, 6091.4, 6094, 6140, 6140.5, and 6141 of, to amend the heading of Article 3.5 (commencing with Section 6055) of Chapter 4 of Division 3 of, to repeal Sections 6031.5 and 6140.02 of, and to repeal and add Sections 6056 and 6141.3 of, the Business and Professions Code, relating to attorneys.</ns0:Title>
<ns0:RelatingClause>attorneys</ns0:RelatingClause>
<ns0:GeneralSubject>
<ns0:Subject>State Bar of California.</ns0:Subject>
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<html:p>Existing law, the State Bar Act, provides for the licensure and regulation of attorneys by the State Bar of California, a public corporation governed by a board of trustees. Existing law requires the State Bar Court to order the involuntary inactive enrollment of a licensee whose default has been entered pursuant to the State Bar Rules of Procedure, as specified, if a notice containing certain language is duly served on the licensee.</html:p>
<html:p>This bill would delete the requirement that the notice
contain certain language and would instead require the notice to contain specified provisions in clear, easily understandable language, in at least 12-point font, and in capital letters.</html:p>
<html:p>Existing law requires the State Bar to assist the Sections of the State Bar, as specified, to incorporate as a private, nonprofit corporation, known as the California Lawyers Association (CLA), a voluntary association that is not part of the State Bar. Existing law authorizes the State Bar to assist the CLA in gaining appointment to the American Bar Association House of Delegates. Existing law requires the State Bar and the CLA to enter into a memorandum of understanding regarding, among other things, providing low- and no-cost mandatory continuing legal education (MCLE), expertise and information to the State Bar, and educational programs and materials to licensees and the
public. Existing law requires the CLA to provide low-cost programs and materials by which licensees may satisfy their MCLE requirements. Existing law requires the State Bar to collect, in conjunction with collection of its annual license fees, membership fees for the California Lawyers Association if the Board of Trustees of the State Bar makes specified determinations.</html:p>
<html:p>This bill would delete those provisions. The bill would instead authorize the State Bar to assist a voluntary association of attorneys in gaining appointment to the American Bar Association Houses of Delegates, and would authorize the State Bar to enter into a memorandum of understanding with a voluntary association of attorneys to provide low- and no-cost mandatory continuing legal education, expertise, and information to the State Bar, and educational programs and materials to licensees and the public. The bill would require a voluntary association of attorneys to provide low-costs programs and
materials by which licensees may satisfy their MCLE requirements. The bill would make conforming changes.</html:p>
<html:p>Existing law authorizes the State Bar to establish an examining committee, also known as the Committee of Bar Examiners, and makes the Committee of Bar Examiners responsible for the approval, regulation, and oversight of degree-granting law schools that award the juris doctor (J.D.) professional degree in California, including law schools that are not approved by the American Bar Association or the Committee of Bar Examiners.</html:p>
<html:p>This bill would prohibit any person or entity from referring to itself as a law school, or any similar name, in any firm name, trade name, fictitious business name, or on any advertisement, letterhead, business card, or sign, unless the person or entity awards the juris doctorate professional degree in California and is either approved by the American Bar Association, accredited by the Committee of
Bar Examiners, or registered with the Committee on Bar Examiners.</html:p>
<html:p>Existing law requires licensees of the State Bar, limited liability partnerships, or law corporations registered with the State Bar to provide to the State Bar all requested information pursuant to a request made as part of a compliance review or investigative audit. Existing law makes that information exempt from disclosure under the California Public Records Act.</html:p>
<html:p>This bill would make those provisions applicable to a request by the State Bar made as part of a disciplinary investigation.</html:p>
<html:p>Existing law, upon application by the State Bar and notice to the appropriate prosecuting authority, authorizes the superior court to grant immunity from criminal prosecution to a witness in any State Bar proceeding.</html:p>
<html:p>This bill would specifically authorize the superior court to grant immunity to the attorney who is the subject of the investigation.</html:p>
<html:p> Existing law, until January 1, 2027, requires the board to charge an annual license fee of up to $400 for active licensees for 2026. Existing law, except as specified, requires the board to charge an annual license fee of up to $100 for inactive licensees.</html:p>
<html:p>This bill would require the board to charge an annual license fee of up to $400 for active licensees for 2027. The bill would require the board to charge an annual license fee of up to $100 for inactive licensees for 2027. The bill would also require the State Bar to permit attorneys to file for inactive status through December 31 of the calendar year prior to becoming
inactive. The bill would repeal these provisions on January 1, 2028.</html:p>
<html:p>Existing law requires the board to administer a Client Security Fund to relieve or mitigate pecuniary losses caused by the dishonest conduct of licensees of the State Bar, among others. Existing law requires any licensee whose actions have caused the payment of funds to an applicant from the Client Security Fund to reimburse the Client Security Fund for all moneys paid out as a result of the licensee’s conduct, plus interest and costs, as specified. Existing law requires the reimbursed amount, plus applicable interest and costs, to be added to the license fee of a publicly reproved or suspended licensee.</html:p>
<html:p>This bill would remove the limitation that those provisions are applicable only to publicly reproved or suspended licensees and would thereby require the reimbursed amount,
plus applicable interest and costs, to be added to the license fee of any licensee required to reimburse the Client Security Fund. The bill would make a failure to pay the Client Security Fund as part of the license fee a basis for suspension from the practice of law and would make payment to the Client Security Fund a condition of transfer of a licensee’s status to an active status from a suspension, involuntary inactive enrollment, or voluntary inactive status.</html:p>
<html:p>Existing law requires the State Bar to provide offers of discounts and other benefits to licensees, including insurance and noninsurance affinity programs. Existing law authorizes the State Bar, if approved by the board, to transfer administration of those programs to Cal Bar Affinity, and specifies the manner of distribution of the revenue received from insurance and noninsurance affinity
programs.</html:p>
<html:p>This bill would instead authorize the State Bar, if approved by the board, to transfer financial administration of the programs offering discounts and other benefits to licensees to CalBar Connect, would require CalBar Connect to distribute revenue received from insurance and noninsurance affinity programs to California ChangeLawyers, and would require California ChangeLawyers to distribute a certain amount of that revenue in accordance with specified requirements.</html:p>
<html:p>Existing constitutional provisions require that a statute that limits the right of access to the meetings of public bodies or the writings of public officials and agencies be adopted with findings demonstrating the interest protected by the limitation and the need for protecting that interest.</html:p>
<html:p>This bill would make legislative findings to that effect.</html:p>
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<ns0:Preamble>The people of the State of California do enact as follows:</ns0:Preamble>
<ns0:BillSection id="id_D4BD793A-A25D-4A1A-9C1A-5E6458A06A24">
<ns0:Num>SECTION 1.</ns0:Num>
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Section 6007 of the
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is amended to read:
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<ns0:Num>6007.</ns0:Num>
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<html:p>
(a)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
When a licensee requires involuntary treatment pursuant to Article 6 (commencing with Section 5300) of Chapter 2 of Division 5 of, or Part 2 (commencing with Section 6250) of Division 6 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, or when under an order pursuant to Section 3051, 3106.5, or 3152 of the Welfare and Institutions Code they have been placed in or returned to inpatient status at the California Rehabilitation Center or its branches, or when they have been determined insane or mentally incompetent and is confined for treatment or placed on outpatient status pursuant to the Penal Code, or on account of their mental condition a guardian or conservator, for their estate or person or both, has been appointed, the Board of Trustees or an officer of the State Bar shall enroll the licensee as an inactive licensee.
</html:p>
<html:p>The clerk of any court making an order containing any of the determinations or adjudications referred to in the immediately preceding paragraph shall send a certified copy of that order to the State Bar at the same time that the order is entered.</html:p>
<html:p>The clerk of any court with which is filed a notice of certification for intensive treatment pursuant to Article 4 (commencing with Section 5250) of Chapter 2 of Division 5 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, upon receipt of the notice, shall transmit a certified copy of it to the State Bar.</html:p>
<html:p>The State Bar may procure a certified copy of any determination, order, adjudication, appointment, or notice when the clerk concerned has failed to transmit one or when the proceeding was had in a court other than a court of this state.</html:p>
<html:p>In the case of an enrollment pursuant to this subdivision, the State Bar
shall terminate the enrollment when the licensee has had the fact of their restoration to capacity judicially determined, upon the licensee’s release from inpatient status at the California Rehabilitation Center or its branches pursuant to Section 3053, 3109, or 3151 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, or upon the licensee’s unconditional release from the medical facility pursuant to Section 5304 or 5305 of the Welfare and Institutions Code; and on payment of all fees required.</html:p>
<html:p>When a licensee is placed in, returned to, or released from inpatient status at the California Rehabilitation Center or its branches, or discharged from the narcotics treatment program, the Director of Corrections or their designee shall transmit to the State Bar a certified notice attesting to that fact.</html:p>
<html:p>
(b)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The State Bar Court shall also enroll a licensee of the State Bar as an inactive licensee in each of the following
cases:
</html:p>
<html:p>
(1)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
A licensee asserts a claim of insanity or mental incompetence in any pending action or proceeding, alleging their inability to understand the nature of the action or proceeding or inability to assist counsel in representation of the licensee.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(2)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The court makes an order assuming jurisdiction over the licensee’s law practice, pursuant to Section 6180.5 or 6190.34.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(3)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
After notice and opportunity to be heard before the State Bar Court, the State Bar Court finds that the licensee, because of mental infirmity or illness, or because of the habitual use of intoxicants or drugs, is (i) unable or habitually fails to perform their duties or undertakings competently, or (ii) unable to practice law without substantial threat of harm to the interests of their clients or the public. No proceeding pursuant to this
paragraph shall be instituted unless the State Bar Court finds, after preliminary investigation, or during the course of a disciplinary proceeding, that probable cause exists therefor. The determination of probable cause is administrative in character and no notice or hearing is required.
</html:p>
<html:p>In the case of an enrollment pursuant to this subdivision, the State Bar Court shall terminate the enrollment upon proof that the facts found as to the licensee’s disability no longer exist and on payment of all fees required.</html:p>
<html:p>
(c)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
(1)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The State Bar Court may order the involuntary inactive enrollment of an attorney upon a finding based on all the available evidence, including affidavits, that the attorney has not complied with Section 6002.1 and cannot be located after reasonable investigation.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(2)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The State Bar Court may order the
involuntary inactive enrollment of an attorney if it finds, based on all the available evidence, including affidavits:
</html:p>
<html:p>
(A)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The attorney has caused or is causing substantial harm to the attorney’s clients or the public.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(B)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
There is a reasonable probability that the chief trial counsel will prevail on the merits of the underlying disciplinary matter, and that the attorney will be disbarred.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(3)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
In the case of an enrollment under paragraph (2), the underlying matter shall proceed on an expedited basis.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(4)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The State Bar Court shall order the involuntary inactive enrollment of an attorney upon the filing of a recommendation of disbarment after hearing or default. For purposes of this section, that attorney shall be placed on involuntary inactive enrollment
regardless of the license status of the attorney at the time.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(5)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The State Bar Court shall order the involuntary inactive enrollment of an attorney who is sentenced to incarceration for 90 days or more as a result of a criminal conviction for at least the period of time in which the attorney is incarcerated.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(6)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The State Bar Court shall order attorneys who are placed on inactive enrollment pursuant to this subdivision to comply with Rule 9.20 of the California Rules of Court.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(7)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The board shall formulate and adopt rules of procedure to implement this subdivision.
</html:p>
<html:p>In the case of an enrollment pursuant to this subdivision, the State Bar Court shall terminate the involuntary inactive enrollment upon proof that the attorney’s conduct no longer poses a substantial threat of
harm to the interests of the attorney’s clients or the public or where an attorney who could not be located proves compliance with Section 6002.1.</html:p>
<html:p>
(d)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
(1)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The State Bar Court may order the involuntary inactive enrollment of an attorney for violation of probation upon the occurrence of all of the following:
</html:p>
<html:p>
(A)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The attorney is under a suspension order any portion of which has been stayed during a period of probation.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(B)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The State Bar Court finds that probation has been violated.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(C)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The State Bar Court recommends to the Supreme Court that the attorney receive an actual suspension on account of the probation violation or other disciplinary matter.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(2)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The State Bar
Court shall terminate an enrollment under this subdivision upon expiration of a period equal to the period of stayed suspension in the probation matter, or until the effective date of a Supreme Court order imposing an actual suspension on account of the probation violation or other disciplinary matter, whichever occurs first.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(3)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
If the Supreme Court orders a period of actual suspension in the probation matter, any period of involuntary inactive enrollment pursuant to this subdivision shall be credited against the period of actual suspension ordered.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(e)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
(1)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The State Bar Court shall order the involuntary, inactive enrollment of a licensee whose default has been entered pursuant to the State Bar Rules of Procedure if both of the following conditions are met:
</html:p>
<html:p>
(A)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The notice was duly served
pursuant to subdivision (c) of Section 6002.1.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(B)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The notice informs the licensee at or near the beginning of the notice, in clear, easily understandable language in at least 12-point font and in capital letters, that the failure to file a timely answer or failure to appear at trial will result in all of the following:
</html:p>
<html:p>
(i)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The State Bar Court will enter the licensee in default.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(ii)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The licensee’s status will be changed to inactive.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(iii)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The licensee will be prohibited from practicing law.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(iv)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The licensee will be prohibited from participating further in the proceeding unless the default is set aside.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(v)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The State Bar Court will enter an order recommending disbarment and may recommend the imposition of sanctions.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(2)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The State Bar Court shall terminate the involuntary inactive enrollment of a licensee under this subdivision when the licensee’s default is set aside on motion timely made under the State Bar Rules of Procedure or the disciplinary proceedings are completed.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(3)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The enrollment under this subdivision is administrative in character and no hearing is required.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(4)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Upon the involuntary inactive enrollment of a licensee under this subdivision, the notice required by subdivision (b) of Section 6092.5 shall be promptly given.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(f)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The pendency or determination of
a proceeding or investigation provided for by this section shall not abate or terminate a disciplinary investigation or proceeding except as required by the facts and law in a particular case.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(g)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
No license fees shall accrue against the licensee during the period they are enrolled as an inactive licensee pursuant to this section.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(h)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The State Bar Court may order a full range of interim remedies or final discipline short of involuntary inactive enrollment, including, but not limited to, conditions of probation following final discipline, or directly ordered interim remedies, to restrict or supervise an attorney’s practice of law, as well as proceedings under subdivision (a), (b), (c), or (d), or under Section 6102 or 6190. They may include restrictions as to scope of practice, monetary accounting procedures, review of performance by probation or other monitors appointed by the
board, or such other measures as may be determined, after hearing, to protect present and future clients from likely substantial harm. These restrictions may be imposed upon a showing as provided in subdivision (c).
</html:p>
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<ns0:Num>SEC. 2.</ns0:Num>
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Section 6031.5 of the
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<ns0:Num>SEC. 3.</ns0:Num>
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Section 6046.7 of the
<ns0:DocName>Business and Professions Code</ns0:DocName>
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<ns0:Num>6046.7.</ns0:Num>
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<html:p>
(a)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Notwithstanding any other law, the examining committee shall be responsible for the approval, regulation, and oversight of degree-granting unaccredited law schools that meet both of the following:
</html:p>
<html:p>
(1)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Award the juris doctor (J.D.) professional degree in California.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(2)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Are not approved by the American Bar Association or the Committee of Bar Examiners.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(b)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
No person or entity may refer to itself as a law school, or any similar name, in any firm name, trade name, fictitious business name, or on any advertisement, letterhead, business card, or sign,
unless the person or entity does both of the following:
</html:p>
<html:p>
(1)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Awards the juris doctorate professional degree in California.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(2)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Is either approved by the American Bar Association, accredited by the Committee of Bar Examiners, or registered with the Committee of Bar Examiners.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(c)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The Committee of Bar Examiners shall assess and collect a fee from unaccredited law schools in an amount sufficient to fund the regulatory and oversight responsibilities imposed by this section. Nothing in this subdivision precludes the board
of trustees from using other funds or fees collected by the State Bar or by the examining committee to supplement the funding of the regulatory and oversight responsibilities imposed by this section with other funds, if that supplemental funding is deemed necessary and appropriate to mitigate some of the additional costs of the regulation and oversight to facilitate the provision of a legal education at an affordable cost.
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<ns0:Num>SEC. 4.</ns0:Num>
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The heading of Article 3.5 (commencing with Section 6055) of Chapter 4 of Division 3 of the
<ns0:DocName>Business and Professions Code</ns0:DocName>
is amended to read:
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<ns0:Num>3.5.</ns0:Num>
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<ns0:LawHeadingText>Voluntary Association of Attorneys</ns0:LawHeadingText>
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<ns0:BillSection id="id_A8336BC1-BF1D-4A4C-A6E0-9B998A555A1F">
<ns0:Num>SEC. 5.</ns0:Num>
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Section 6056 of the
<ns0:DocName>Business and Professions Code</ns0:DocName>
is repealed.
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<ns0:Fragment/>
</ns0:BillSection>
<ns0:BillSection id="id_F2244550-576A-47F8-A72C-38E92415B4EF">
<ns0:Num>SEC. 6.</ns0:Num>
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Section 6056 is added to the
<ns0:DocName>Business and Professions Code</ns0:DocName>
, to read:
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<ns0:Fragment>
<ns0:LawSection id="id_C6B52703-9D75-4429-A4B9-3778B18F0C2D">
<ns0:Num>6056.</ns0:Num>
<ns0:LawSectionVersion id="id_1F29AEEB-384D-45A7-9527-3059D2F02123">
<ns0:Content>
<html:p>
(a)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The State Bar may assist a voluntary association of attorneys in gaining appointment to the American Bar Association (ABA) House of Delegates, consistent with the conduct of the former Sections of the State Bar and subject to the consent of the ABA.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(b)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The State Bar may enter into a memorandum of understanding with a voluntary association of attorneys to provide any of the following:
</html:p>
<html:p>
(1)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Low- and no-cost mandatory continuing legal education.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(2)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Expertise and information to the State Bar, as requested.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(3)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Educational programs and materials to the
licensees of the State Bar and the public.
</html:p>
</ns0:Content>
</ns0:LawSectionVersion>
</ns0:LawSection>
</ns0:Fragment>
</ns0:BillSection>
<ns0:BillSection id="id_4F6CA225-4A0C-4C38-ADB6-DDA2B2A3E956">
<ns0:Num>SEC. 7.</ns0:Num>
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Section 6070 of the
<ns0:DocName>Business and Professions Code</ns0:DocName>
is amended to read:
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<ns0:Fragment>
<ns0:LawSection id="id_14EDE067-56FE-41D4-8F03-B3F14B9627DE">
<ns0:Num>6070.</ns0:Num>
<ns0:LawSectionVersion id="id_0296A088-FD8D-4820-9FFD-A6F4FDE758EC">
<ns0:Content>
<html:p>
(a)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The State Bar shall request the California Supreme Court to adopt a rule of court authorizing the State Bar to establish and administer a mandatory continuing legal education (MCLE) program. The rule that the State Bar requests the Supreme Court to adopt shall require that, within designated 36-month periods, all active licensees of the State Bar shall complete at least 25 hours of legal education activities approved by the State Bar or offered by a State Bar-approved provider, with four of those hours in legal ethics. The legal education activities shall focus on California law and practice and federal law as relevant to its practice in California or tribal law. A licensee of the State Bar who fails to satisfy the
MCLE requirements of the program authorized by the Supreme Court rule shall be enrolled as an inactive licensee pursuant to rules adopted by the Board of Trustees of the State Bar.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(b)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
For purposes of this section, statewide associations of public agencies and incorporated, nonprofit professional associations of attorneys shall be certified as State Bar approved providers upon completion of an appropriate application process to be established by the State Bar. The certification may be revoked only by majority vote of the board, after notice and hearing, and for good cause shown. Programs provided by the California District Attorneys Association or the
California Public Defenders Association, or both, including, but not limited to, programs provided pursuant to Title 1.5 (commencing with Section 11500) of Part 4 of the Penal Code, are deemed to be legal education activities approved by the State Bar or offered by a State Bar-approved provider.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(c)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Notwithstanding the provisions of subdivision (a), officers and elected officials of the State of California, and full-time professors at law schools accredited by the State Bar of California, the American Bar Association, or both, shall be exempt from the provisions of this section. Full-time employees of the State of California, acting within the scope of their employment, shall be exempt from the provisions of this section. Nothing in this section shall prohibit the State of California, or any political subdivision thereof, from establishing or maintaining its own continuing education requirements for its employees.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(d)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
A voluntary association of attorneys shall provide and encourage the development of low-cost programs and materials by which licensees of the State Bar may satisfy their continuing education requirements. Special emphasis shall be placed upon the use of internet capabilities and computer technology in the development and provision of no-cost and low-cost programs and materials. Towards this purpose, a voluntary association of attorneys that develops low-cost programs and materials for licensees of the State Bar to satisfy their continuing education requirements shall ensure that any licensee possessing or having access to the Internet or specified generally available computer technology shall be capable of satisfying the full self-study portion of their MCLE requirement at a cost of twenty dollars ($20) per hour or less.
</html:p>
</ns0:Content>
</ns0:LawSectionVersion>
</ns0:LawSection>
</ns0:Fragment>
</ns0:BillSection>
<ns0:BillSection id="id_A7ADE0CE-A3D6-4EC8-993E-E7018CF6C206">
<ns0:Num>SEC. 8.</ns0:Num>
<ns0:ActionLine action="IS_AMENDED" ns3:href="urn:caml:codes:BPC:caml#xpointer(%2Fcaml%3ALawDoc%2Fcaml%3ACode%2Fcaml%3ALawHeading%5B%40type%3D'DIVISION'%20and%20caml%3ANum%3D'3.'%5D%2Fcaml%3ALawHeading%5B%40type%3D'CHAPTER'%20and%20caml%3ANum%3D'4.'%5D%2Fcaml%3ALawHeading%5B%40type%3D'ARTICLE'%20and%20caml%3ANum%3D'5.5.'%5D%2Fcaml%3ALawSection%5Bcaml%3ANum%3D'6091.4.'%5D)" ns3:label="fractionType: LAW_SECTION" ns3:type="locator">
Section 6091.4 of the
<ns0:DocName>Business and Professions Code</ns0:DocName>
is amended to read:
</ns0:ActionLine>
<ns0:Fragment>
<ns0:LawSection id="id_7B1F9961-1060-4996-8828-11EF27464696">
<ns0:Num>6091.4.</ns0:Num>
<ns0:LawSectionVersion id="id_6000705B-DF42-4015-8E2A-5A7D5202B89F">
<ns0:Content>
<html:p>
(a)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Notwithstanding subdivision (e) of Section 6068, Article 3 (commencing with Section 950) of Chapter 4 of Division 8 of the Evidence Code, the Attorney Work Product doctrine as restated in Chapter 4 (commencing with Section 2018.010) of Title 4 of Part 4 of the Code of Civil Procedure, or any other law, licensees of the State Bar, limited liability partnerships, or law corporations registered with the State Bar shall, pursuant to a request made as part of a compliance review, investigative
audit, or disciplinary investigation being conducted by or at the direction of the State Bar, provide to the State Bar or its agents all requested information, records, or communications, including, but not limited to, account journals, client ledgers, fee agreements, client files, and billing statements related to the receipt, holding, and disbursement of funds, securities, or other property in which the licensee, limited liability partnership, or law corporation knows or reasonably should know a client or other person has an interest.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(b)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
By providing any information, records, or communications under subdivision (a), an attorney does not violate, waive, or extinguish the duty to maintain the confidence and preserve the secrets of their client under subdivision (e) of Section 6068, the Lawyer-Client Privilege under Article 3 (commencing with Section 950) of Chapter 4 of Division 8 of the Evidence
Code, the Attorney Work Product doctrine as restated in Chapter 4 (commencing with Section 2018.010) of Title 4 of Part 4 of the Code of Civil Procedure, or the protections of any other rule or law related to attorney work product or the attorney-client privilege.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(c)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Any information, records, or communications provided under subdivision (a) shall remain confidential unless disclosure by the State Bar or its agents is required to fulfill its licensing, regulatory, and disciplinary functions, including, but not limited to, investigation or formal proceedings concerning alleged misconduct of a licensee, limited liability partnership, or law corporation or the disclosure of alleged misconduct under Section 6044.5. In no event shall disclosure by the State Bar or its agents be deemed a waiver of the confidential character of the information for any other purpose nor shall the disclosing licensee be considered in violation of any of the duties
listed in subdivision (b) as related to the disclosure of such items by the State Bar or its agents.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(d)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Any information, records, or communications provided under subdivision (a) shall not be disclosed pursuant to any state law, including but not limited to, the California Public Records Act (Division 10 (commencing with Section 7920.000) of Title 1 of the Government Code).
</html:p>
</ns0:Content>
</ns0:LawSectionVersion>
</ns0:LawSection>
</ns0:Fragment>
</ns0:BillSection>
<ns0:BillSection id="id_D9F2B484-DAFF-4079-B096-97C4519704A4">
<ns0:Num>SEC. 9.</ns0:Num>
<ns0:ActionLine action="IS_AMENDED" ns3:href="urn:caml:codes:BPC:caml#xpointer(%2Fcaml%3ALawDoc%2Fcaml%3ACode%2Fcaml%3ALawHeading%5B%40type%3D'DIVISION'%20and%20caml%3ANum%3D'3.'%5D%2Fcaml%3ALawHeading%5B%40type%3D'CHAPTER'%20and%20caml%3ANum%3D'4.'%5D%2Fcaml%3ALawHeading%5B%40type%3D'ARTICLE'%20and%20caml%3ANum%3D'5.5.'%5D%2Fcaml%3ALawSection%5Bcaml%3ANum%3D'6094.'%5D)" ns3:label="fractionType: LAW_SECTION" ns3:type="locator">
Section 6094 of the
<ns0:DocName>Business and Professions Code</ns0:DocName>
is amended to read:
</ns0:ActionLine>
<ns0:Fragment>
<ns0:LawSection id="id_2D7DE30B-A571-4171-8006-AE55E1CF7BBF">
<ns0:Num>6094.</ns0:Num>
<ns0:LawSectionVersion id="id_31FB9D80-182C-46F1-88A7-708139D8EBA1">
<ns0:Content>
<html:p>
(a)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Communications to the State Bar relating to lawyer misconduct or disability or competence, or any communication related to an investigation or proceeding and testimony given in the proceeding are privileged, and no lawsuit predicated thereon may be instituted against any person. The State Bar and officers and employees are subject to the rules governing liability of public entities, officers, and employees specified in Division 3.6 (commencing with Section 810) of Title 1 of the Government Code.
</html:p>
<html:p>Nothing in this subdivision limits or alters the privileges accorded communications to the State Bar or testimony given in investigations or proceedings conducted by it or the immunities accorded complainants, informants, witnesses, the State Bar, its officers, and employees as existed
prior to the enactment of this section. This subdivision does not constitute a change in, but is cumulative with the existing law.</html:p>
<html:p>
(b)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Upon application by the State Bar and notice to the appropriate prosecuting authority, the superior court may grant immunity from criminal prosecution to a witness, including the attorney who is the subject of the investigation, in any State Bar proceeding.
</html:p>
</ns0:Content>
</ns0:LawSectionVersion>
</ns0:LawSection>
</ns0:Fragment>
</ns0:BillSection>
<ns0:BillSection id="id_D4054609-2C4C-4FFD-83E4-4D959C07A5C6">
<ns0:Num>SEC. 10.</ns0:Num>
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Section 6140 of the
<ns0:DocName>Business and Professions Code</ns0:DocName>
is amended to read:
</ns0:ActionLine>
<ns0:Fragment>
<ns0:LawSection id="id_C6692B7E-63F7-4CD8-84C7-1BC3CE18AE7A">
<ns0:Num>6140.</ns0:Num>
<ns0:LawSectionVersion id="id_4C59F38A-2A92-4AA2-9C84-53AEA4A5783A">
<ns0:Content>
<html:p>
(a)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The board shall fix the annual license fee for active licensees for 2027 at a sum not exceeding four hundred dollars ($400).
</html:p>
<html:p>
(b)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The annual license fee for active licensees is payable on or before the date set by the State Bar, which shall not be less than 12 months from the prior year’s due date. Individuals who qualify for a waiver pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 6141.1 shall be permitted to pay fees on an installment basis, with interest and other costs directly associated with the use of an installment plan, in the manner determined by the State Bar. Additionally, if the board finds it appropriate and feasible, it may provide by rule for payment of fees on an installment
basis with interest, by credit card, or by other means, and may charge licensees choosing any alternative method of payment an additional fee to defray costs incurred by that election.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(c)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2028, and as of that date is repealed.
</html:p>
</ns0:Content>
</ns0:LawSectionVersion>
</ns0:LawSection>
</ns0:Fragment>
</ns0:BillSection>
<ns0:BillSection id="id_9944A96F-83B2-4A04-8A1B-440FF0088FA2">
<ns0:Num>SEC. 11.</ns0:Num>
<ns0:ActionLine action="IS_REPEALED" ns3:href="urn:caml:codes:BPC:caml#xpointer(%2Fcaml%3ALawDoc%2Fcaml%3ACode%2Fcaml%3ALawHeading%5B%40type%3D'DIVISION'%20and%20caml%3ANum%3D'3.'%5D%2Fcaml%3ALawHeading%5B%40type%3D'CHAPTER'%20and%20caml%3ANum%3D'4.'%5D%2Fcaml%3ALawHeading%5B%40type%3D'ARTICLE'%20and%20caml%3ANum%3D'8.'%5D%2Fcaml%3ALawSection%5Bcaml%3ANum%3D'6140.02.'%5D)" ns3:label="fractionType: LAW_SECTION" ns3:type="locator">
Section 6140.02 of the
<ns0:DocName>Business and Professions Code</ns0:DocName>
is repealed.
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<ns0:Fragment/>
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<ns0:BillSection id="id_6FEEC606-6A9E-443A-9087-401C268753E0">
<ns0:Num>SEC. 12.</ns0:Num>
<ns0:ActionLine action="IS_AMENDED" ns3:href="urn:caml:codes:BPC:caml#xpointer(%2Fcaml%3ALawDoc%2Fcaml%3ACode%2Fcaml%3ALawHeading%5B%40type%3D'DIVISION'%20and%20caml%3ANum%3D'3.'%5D%2Fcaml%3ALawHeading%5B%40type%3D'CHAPTER'%20and%20caml%3ANum%3D'4.'%5D%2Fcaml%3ALawHeading%5B%40type%3D'ARTICLE'%20and%20caml%3ANum%3D'8.'%5D%2Fcaml%3ALawSection%5Bcaml%3ANum%3D'6140.5.'%5D)" ns3:label="fractionType: LAW_SECTION" ns3:type="locator">
Section 6140.5 of the
<ns0:DocName>Business and Professions Code</ns0:DocName>
is amended to read:
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<ns0:Fragment>
<ns0:LawSection id="id_B1DECEC9-58AE-4AC8-866A-E60E7F0429F0">
<ns0:Num>6140.5.</ns0:Num>
<ns0:LawSectionVersion id="id_6C7DFEA7-9D19-43DF-9376-7855B2BAF211">
<ns0:Content>
<html:p>
(a)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The board shall establish and administer a Client Security Fund to relieve or mitigate pecuniary losses caused by the dishonest conduct of licensees of the State Bar, foreign legal consultants registered with the State Bar, and attorneys registered with the State Bar under the Multijurisdictional Practice Program, arising from or connected with the practice of law. Any payments from the fund shall be discretionary and shall be subject to regulation, conditions, and rules as the board shall prescribe. The board may delegate the administration of the fund to the State Bar Court, or to any board or committee created by the board of trustees.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(b)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Upon making a payment to a person who has applied to the fund for payment to relieve or mitigate pecuniary losses
caused by the dishonest conduct of a licensee, the State Bar is subrogated, to the extent of that payment, to the rights of the applicant against any person or persons who, or entity that, caused the pecuniary loss. The State Bar may bring an action to enforce those rights within three years from the date of payment to the applicant.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(c)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Any licensee whose actions have caused the payment of funds to an applicant from the Client Security Fund shall owe those funds to the State Bar and reimburse the Client Security Fund for all moneys paid out as a result of the licensee’s conduct with interest, in addition to payment of the assessment for the procedural costs of processing the claim. The State Bar may collect any money paid out by the Client Security Fund pursuant to this subdivision through any means provided by law. The licensee’s obligation to reimburse the Client Security Fund pursuant to this section is imposed as a penalty, payable to and
for the benefit of the State Bar of California, a public corporation created pursuant to Article VI of the California Constitution, to promote rehabilitation and protect the public. This subdivision is declaratory of existing law.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(d)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The reimbursed amount by the Client Security Fund, plus applicable interest and costs, shall be added to and become a part of the license fee unless time for payment is extended or otherwise modified.
Failure to pay the Client Security Fund as part of the license fee is a basis for suspension from the practice of law and payment to the Client Security Fund shall be a condition of transfer of a licensee’s status to active status from a suspension, involuntary inactive enrollment, or voluntary inactive status.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(e)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
For a licensee who resigns with disciplinary charges pending or a licensee who is resigned or disbarred, the reimbursed amount by the Client Security Fund, plus applicable interest and costs, shall be paid as a condition of applying for reinstatement of the licensee’s license to practice law or return to active license status.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(f)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Any assessment against an attorney pursuant to subdivision (c) that is part of an order imposing a public reproval on a licensee or is part of an order imposing discipline or accepting a resignation
with a disciplinary matter pending, or any reimbursed amount that is part of a final determination by the Client Security Fund, may also be enforced as a money judgment. This subdivision does not limit the power of the Supreme Court to alter the restitution amount owed pursuant to an order imposing public reproval on a licensee or an order imposing discipline or accepting a resignation with a disciplinary matter pending, or to authorize the State Bar Court to do the same.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(g)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
To obtain a money judgment pursuant to subdivision (f) that is not part of a court order imposing a public reproval on a licensee or is not part of a court order imposing discipline or accepting a resignation with a disciplinary matter pending, the State Bar shall file a certified copy of the Notice of Payment of the Client Security Fund with the clerk of the superior court of any county. The clerk shall immediately enter judgment in conformity with the Notice of Payment.
The judgment shall have the same force and effect as a judgment in a civil action and may be enforced in the same manner as any other judgment.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(h)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The defense of laches shall not be raised by the licensee whose actions have caused the payment of funds to an applicant from the Client Security Fund with respect to any payment owed to the State Bar, or with respect to any collections efforts by the State Bar for those payments.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(i)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Judicial review of a decision to approve or deny, in whole or in part, an application for reimbursement from the Client Security Fund may be had by filing a petition for a writ of administrative mandamus pursuant to Section 1094.5 of the Code of Civil Procedure within 90 days after the date the decision was served. This subdivision is declaratory of existing law.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(j)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Subdivisions (c), (f),
and (h) have, and shall have, retroactive application, as well as prospective application.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(k)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
(1)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
A licensee may be granted relief, in whole or in part, from any payment obligation under subdivision (c), including compromise of any money judgment, or may be granted an extension of time to pay, at the discretion of the State Bar, upon grounds of hardship, special circumstances, or other good cause.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(2)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Notwithstanding subdivision (c), 50 percent of the collections received during the 2025 calendar year shall be deposited in the Client Security Fund and 50 percent shall be deposited in the State Bar’s general fund.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(l)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
As used in this section, “licensee” shall include a foreign legal consultant registered with the State Bar.
</html:p>
</ns0:Content>
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</ns0:LawSection>
</ns0:Fragment>
</ns0:BillSection>
<ns0:BillSection id="id_4054FE69-4115-462B-A20E-9911E6A5849E">
<ns0:Num>SEC. 13.</ns0:Num>
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Section 6141 of the
<ns0:DocName>Business and Professions Code</ns0:DocName>
is amended to read:
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<ns0:LawSection id="id_E426CFC5-E718-45B6-849E-F7BEAA978DE0">
<ns0:Num>6141.</ns0:Num>
<ns0:LawSectionVersion id="id_D2248A5D-A210-4261-AA88-7444A0D9F8EC">
<ns0:Content>
<html:p>
(a)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The board shall fix the annual license fee for inactive licensees at a sum not exceeding one hundred dollars ($100). The annual license fee for inactive licensees is payable on or before the date set by the State Bar, which shall not be less than 12 months from the prior year’s due date.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(b)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
An inactive licensee shall not be required to pay the annual license fee for inactive licensees for any calendar year following the calendar year in which the licensee attains 70 years of age.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(c)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The State Bar shall permit attorneys to file for inactive status through December 31 of the calendar year prior to becoming inactive.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(d)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2028, and as of that date is repealed.
</html:p>
</ns0:Content>
</ns0:LawSectionVersion>
</ns0:LawSection>
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<ns0:BillSection id="id_8334AA98-3ED9-42CE-87A2-F17F5FCCC23D">
<ns0:Num>SEC. 14.</ns0:Num>
<ns0:ActionLine action="IS_REPEALED" ns3:href="urn:caml:codes:BPC:caml#xpointer(%2Fcaml%3ALawDoc%2Fcaml%3ACode%2Fcaml%3ALawHeading%5B%40type%3D'DIVISION'%20and%20caml%3ANum%3D'3.'%5D%2Fcaml%3ALawHeading%5B%40type%3D'CHAPTER'%20and%20caml%3ANum%3D'4.'%5D%2Fcaml%3ALawHeading%5B%40type%3D'ARTICLE'%20and%20caml%3ANum%3D'8.'%5D%2Fcaml%3ALawSection%5Bcaml%3ANum%3D'6141.3.'%5D)" ns3:label="fractionType: LAW_SECTION" ns3:type="locator">
Section 6141.3 of the
<ns0:DocName>Business and Professions Code</ns0:DocName>
is repealed.
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</ns0:BillSection>
<ns0:BillSection id="id_F9EC6639-8343-4F41-9458-DA5CD6B56683">
<ns0:Num>SEC. 15.</ns0:Num>
<ns0:ActionLine action="IS_ADDED" ns3:href="urn:caml:codes:BPC:caml#xpointer(%2Fcaml%3ALawDoc%2Fcaml%3ACode%2Fcaml%3ALawHeading%5B%40type%3D'DIVISION'%20and%20caml%3ANum%3D'3.'%5D%2Fcaml%3ALawHeading%5B%40type%3D'CHAPTER'%20and%20caml%3ANum%3D'4.'%5D%2Fcaml%3ALawHeading%5B%40type%3D'ARTICLE'%20and%20caml%3ANum%3D'8.'%5D%2Fcaml%3ALawSection%5Bcaml%3ANum%3D'6141.3.'%5D)" ns3:label="fractionType: LAW_SECTION" ns3:type="locator">
Section 6141.3 is added to the
<ns0:DocName>Business and Professions Code</ns0:DocName>
, to read:
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<ns0:Fragment>
<ns0:LawSection id="id_109E52D7-4F73-4075-9E24-0B5FDC2ED80C">
<ns0:Num>6141.3.</ns0:Num>
<ns0:LawSectionVersion id="id_CF0C0FBD-4EE1-47F2-90DF-331FC8F7FB70">
<ns0:Content>
<html:p>
(a)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The State Bar shall provide offers of discounts and other benefits to active and inactive licensees of the State Bar, including, but not limited to, insurance and noninsurance affinity programs.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(b)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
If approved by the board of trustees, the State Bar may transfer financial administration of the programs offering discounts and other benefits to active and inactive licensees of the State Bar under subdivision (a) to CalBar Connect to decrease the administrative burden on the State Bar. CalBar Connect shall distribute all revenue received from the insurance and noninsurance affinity programs, less the administrative costs of the State Bar and CalBar Connect in operating the programs, up to a maximum of 15 percent of the revenue received,
and the taxes incurred by Cal Bar Connect in operating the programs, as follows:
</html:p>
<html:p>
(1)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Two-thirds of the remaining revenue shall go to California ChangeLawyers.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(2)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
One-third of the remaining revenue shall go to California ChangeLawyers, which shall distribute that revenue to qualified legal services projects and support centers in accordance with the formula provided in Section 6216. However, in any year, a qualified legal services project or support center, as defined in Section 6213, may elect in writing to direct their allocation for that year to California ChangeLawyers for fellowships for law students and law graduates at qualified legal services projects and support centers. California ChangeLawyers shall utilize a competitive grant application process for determining grant awards. In awarding these statewide grants, preference shall be given to qualified legal services
projects or support centers that serve rural or underserved communities and that serve clients regardless of immigration or citizenship status. The minimum grant amount shall be ten thousand dollars ($10,000).
</html:p>
</ns0:Content>
</ns0:LawSectionVersion>
</ns0:LawSection>
</ns0:Fragment>
</ns0:BillSection>
<ns0:BillSection id="id_AA438BBD-0CBB-4BFE-B9EE-301E3BA973EA">
<ns0:Num>SEC. 16.</ns0:Num>
<ns0:Content>
<html:p>The Legislature finds and declares that Section 8 of this act, which amends Section 6091.4 of the Business and Professions Code, imposes a limitation on the public’s right of access to the meetings of public bodies or the writings of public officials and agencies within the meaning of Section 3 of Article I of the California Constitution. Pursuant to that constitutional provision, the Legislature makes the following findings to demonstrate the interest protected by this limitation and the need for protecting that interest:</html:p>
<html:p>In order to allow the State Bar
of California to fully accomplish its objectives, including, but not limited to, its licensing, regulatory, and disciplinary functions, it is imperative to protect the privacy interests of those individuals whose identity, financial, and other sensitive information may be contained within the records produced to the State Bar of California in the course of its compliance reviews or investigative audits of entrusted funds, securities, and other property. Such information is protected and confidential.</html:p>
</ns0:Content>
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</ns0:Bill>
</ns0:MeasureDoc>