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AB 2784

State Bar of California.

2025-2026 Regular Session

The bill reorganizes the State Bar to fund, regulate MCLE, client funds, and a voluntary attorney association, shifting some programs and revenue to CalBar Connect and California C

Read second time and amended. Ordered returned to second reading.
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Bill Summary · AB 2784

Summary of AB 2784 (2025-2026) – State Bar of California

This bill, introduced by the Assembly Judiciary Committee, makes broad changes to the State Bar of California’s structure, operations, funding, and disciplinary processes. It repeals or amends several existing provisions and creates new frameworks for voluntary associations, MCLE delivery, client funds, and licensee governance. Key sections are outlined below.

1) Main purpose and intent

  • Modernize and reorganize how the State Bar regulates attorneys, administers continuing legal education (MCLE), handles client funds, and engages with a voluntary association of attorneys.
  • Facilitate a shift toward a voluntary association (referred to as a “Voluntary Association of Attorneys”) that could participate in ABA activities, MCLE delivery, and public-facing educational programs.
  • Change funding flows and enforcement mechanisms related to license fees, Client Security Fund, and program administration (including potential transfer to CalBar Connect and California ChangeLawyers).

2) Key provisions and changes

A. Notices and inactive enrollment (discipline-related procedures)

  • Replaces a specific 12-point bold/clear-language notice requirement for default-related involuntary inactive enrollment with a requirement that the notice use clear, easily understandable language, at least 12-point font, and capital letters.
  • Applies to notices in default scenarios under State Bar disciplinary procedures.

B. Voluntary association and MCLE framework

  • Repeals former requirements tying the State Bar to the California Lawyers Association (CLA) and its MCLE/fee arrangements.
  • Adds authorization for the State Bar to assist a voluntary association of attorneys in gaining ABA House of Delegates appointment.
  • Allows the State Bar to enter into a memorandum of understanding with a voluntary association to provide:
    • Low- and no-cost mandatory continuing legal education (MCLE)
    • Expertise and information to the State Bar
    • Educational programs and materials to licensees and the public
  • Requires the voluntary association to provide low-cost MCLE programs for licensees.

C. Law schools and nomenclature regulation

  • Keeps robust oversight of J.D.-granting California law schools by the Committee of Bar Examiners.
  • Adds a prohibition on referring to an entity as a “law school” unless it awards the J.D. in California and is ABA-approved, ABA-accredited by the Committee on Bar Examiners, or registered with the Committee on Bar Examiners.

D. Public records and disclosure

  • Extends the confidential treatment of information requested in compliance reviews or investigations to also cover information obtained during disciplinary investigations.
  • Maintains attorney work product and attorney-client privilege protections for information supplied to the State Bar.

E. Immunity in State Bar proceedings

  • Explicitly authorizes the superior court to grant immunity from criminal prosecution to the attorney who is the subject of the investigation (in addition to witnesses).

F. License fees and status options (sunset provisions)

  • Inactive and active license fee schedules:
    • Active licensees: up to $400 annual license fee for 2027 (instead of 2026 baseline)
    • Inactive licensees: up to $100 annual fee for 2027
  • Allows attorneys to file for inactive status through December 31 of the year prior to becoming inactive.
  • Most fee-related provisions are set to expire January 1, 2028 (sunset).

G. Client Security Fund (CSF)

  • Expands CSF recovery provisions beyond publicly reproved or suspended licensees to all licensees required to reimburse the CSF.
  • Makes CSF reimbursement a condition of license status changes (e.g., return to active status from suspension/inactive status).
  • Repeals and redefines CSF funding rules, including:
    • CSF repaysments with interest and costs added to the license fee
    • Failure to pay CSF assessments can be grounds for suspension
    • Reinstatement and payment obligations tied to disciplinary actions
    • Retroactive applicability of certain CSF provisions

H. Revenue routing for discounts/affinity programs

  • Current law allows the State Bar to offer discounts and to transfer administration of affinity programs to Cal Bar Affinity.
  • AB 2784 replaces this with a framework where the State Bar can transfer financial administration of discount/benefits programs to CalBar Connect.
  • CalBar Connect would route revenue:
    • To California ChangeLawyers (two-thirds of remaining revenue after administrative costs and taxes)
    • The remainder to California ChangeLawyers for competitive grants to legal-service entities, with emphasis on rural/underserved communities
    • A minimum grant of $10,000 for statewide grants
  • If approved, revenue-sharing arrangements are designed to fund access-to-justice initiatives.

I. Certificates of payment

  • Deletes the requirement that the board issue a certificate evidencing payment of annual license fees to licensees.

J. Miscellaneous housekeeping and sunset

  • Repeals and adds several sections (e.g., 6140.2, 6142) and redefines article headings (Section 6046.7 heading revised to reflect “Regulation of Unaccredited Law Schools”).
  • Includes legislative findings explaining privacy limitations for access to certain public-records related to sensitive compliance/audit information.

3) Who would be affected

  • Active and inactive California attorneys (license fees, MCLE requirements, and status changes)
  • Attorneys subject to State Bar discipline and investigations (notably the notice language and involuntary inactive enrollment)
  • Law schools and entities that refer to themselves as “law schools” (narrowed definitions for accreditation/approval)
  • Members of the voluntary association of attorneys (opportunity to participate in ABA House of Delegates and MCLE provision)
  • Licensees who receive CSF reimbursement (including timing and repayment obligations)
  • California ChangeLawyers and CalBar Connect (new revenue routing and grant allocation)

4) Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Sunset provisions: Several provisions (license fees for active/inactive status, certain CSF provisions, and related rules) are set to expire on January 1, 2028, unless extended.
  • 2027 fee limits: The bill specifies a 2027 cap of $400 for active license fees and $100 for inactive license fees.
  • MCLE rule development: The bill directs the State Bar to seek a Supreme Court rule authorizing MCLE with a 25 hours/36-month cycle and 4 hours in ethics; noncompliance could trigger inactive status.
  • Transition of program administration: If adopted, CalBar Connect would administer certain discount programs and manage revenue sharing with California ChangeLawyers, with a defined funding split.

Note: This summary focuses on substantive provisions and their practical impact. For precise statutory language and any fiscal or constitutional considerations, refer to the bill text and any analysis by legislative counsel.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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