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AZ SB1426
Bill
Status
1/29/2020
Primary Sponsor
David Farnsworth
Click for details
AI Summary
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Requires Arizona Supreme Court to provide due process in attorney disciplinary proceedings, including disclosure of complaint responses to complainants.
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Establishes right to jury trial in superior court for attorneys challenging State Bar of Arizona disciplinary decisions, with ten-person jury required for unanimous verdict to disbar using "beyond a reasonable doubt" standard.
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Limits fees for jury hearing to $500 and requires State Bar to notify all attorneys of jury trial option; failure to notify renders State Bar decisions void and unenforceable.
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Prohibits perjury, false evidence, and withholding exculpatory evidence in disciplinary proceedings, making violations prosecutable as felonies under title 13 with exclusive prosecutorial discretion in grand jury.
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Mandates attorneys swear oath to U.S. and Arizona Constitutions, requires mediation as preferred dispute resolution method, and permits juries to sanction parties up to $2,000 for abuse of process.
Legislative Description
Attorney discipline; due process; juries
General Provisions
Last Action
Senate read second time
1/30/2020