SB 40 Summary

• Extends State Bar chair and vice chair terms from one year to up to two years, with duties beginning at the September meeting following appointment.

• Requires board appointment of an executive director and general counsel (both lawyers with 4-year terms subject to Senate confirmation) and mandates notification to legislative committees within seven days of their hiring or dismissal.

• Expands conflict of interest requirements for board members to cover all State Bar decisions and subjects them to Government Code conflicts provisions; also requires all State Bar employees and prospective employees to submit fingerprints for criminal history checks.

• Prohibits Chief Trial Counsel from issuing private reprovals starting January 1, 2025, and requires recommendations by April 1, 2024 for a formal disciplinary diversion program for minor Rule of Professional Conduct violations.

• Authorizes use of net proceeds from San Francisco office building sale for employee salaries and discipline system/admissions exam costs; allows license fee revenue excess to fund bargaining unit employee salaries through January 1, 2025.