CA AR103

Urges the California Supreme Court to retroactively apply the reduced bar exam passing score of 1390 to scores from July 2015 forward, rather than only applying it prospectively from July 2020 onward.

Notes that California's previous passing score of 1440 was the highest in the nation (except Delaware) and had a racially discriminatory impact, with Black applicants passing at 24 percent versus 52 percent for White applicants from 2009-2019.

Argues that a 1390 score represents minimal competency to practice law and that recent scores within five years are already recognized as valid under State Bar rules.

States that lowering the passing score retroactively would increase attorney diversity, reduce barriers to entry for law school graduates of color, and improve access to legal representation for low- and middle-income Californians.

Directs the Assembly Chief Clerk to transmit copies of this resolution to the California Supreme Court and the State Bar of California.