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CA AB2039

Bill

Status

Introduced

2/17/2026

Primary Sponsor

Rick Zbur

Click for details

Origin

State Assembly

2025-2026 Regular Session

AI Summary

  • Prohibits employers, law firms, and attorneys from retaliating against individuals who report in good faith suspected violations of the State Bar Act, California Rules of Professional Conduct, or other state or federal laws
  • Requires attorneys providing loans or financial assistance to clients to use a separate written contract specifying total amount financed, repayment terms, all fees and costs, and potential conflicts of interest
  • Prohibits attorneys from charging clients interest on any loans or advances, and bars conditioning legal strategy or settlement decisions on loan acceptance or repayment
  • Mandates summary disbarment for attorneys convicted of felony "capping" (illegal client solicitation) or misdemeanor capping where the attorney acted knowingly and for financial gain
  • Establishes civil penalties of $15,000 per offense for violations of attorney-client loan requirements, with violations also subject to State Bar discipline

Legislative Description

Attorneys.

Last Action

From committee chair, with author's amendments: Amend, and re-refer to Com. on JUD. Read second time and amended.

3/16/2026

Committee Referrals

Judiciary3/9/2026

Full Bill Text

No bill text available