SB 1151 — Attorney Diversion and Assistance Program: active and inactive licensee fees.

1 sponsors · 0 co-sponsors · 121 not signed on

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Frequently asked questions

What does SB 1151 do?

Existing law, the State Bar Act, provides for the licensure and regulation of attorneys by the State Bar of California, a public corporation, governed by a board of trustees, and provides that protection of the public is the highest priority of the State Bar and the board of trustees in exercising their licensing, regulatory, and disciplinary functions. Existing law declares the intent of the Legislature that the State Bar seek ways and means to identify and rehabilitate attorneys with impairment due to substance use or a mental health disorder affecting competency, as specified. Existing law requires the board of trustees to establish and administer the Attorney Diversion and Assistance Program and to establish a committee to oversee the operation of the program. Existing law authorizes attorneys and applicants who are in law school or have applied for admission to the State Bar to enter the program, as specified. Existing law generally requires participants in the program to be responsible for all expenses relating to treatment and recovery and authorizes the State Bar to charge a reasonable administrative fee to participants. Existing law, as an exception to those provisions, requires the State Bar to establish a financial assistance program for licensees and persons eligible for services who otherwise would be denied acceptance into the Attorney Diversion and Assistance Program solely due to the lack of ability to pay. Existing law requires moneys for the support of the Attorney Diversion and Assistance Program, treatment services for those who cannot afford to pay, and related programs approved by the committee to be paid in whole or in part by an annual fee of $5 paid by each inactive licensee and the annual fee of $10 paid by each active licensee, except that, for 2020 only, inactive licensees are not required to pay the fee, and the fee for active licensees is $1, which would be paid to a nonprofit corporation that has provided peer support to attorneys recovering from alcohol and substance abuse in a confidential and anonymous manner, as specified. This bill instead would extend through 2021 the fee exemption for inactive licensees, and the reduction of the fee for active licensees to $1, which would be paid to that nonprofit corporation.

Who sponsors SB 1151?

SB 1151 is sponsored by Jones, Brian W. (Republican).

What is the current status of SB 1151?

This bill died with 2019-2020 Regular Session. It reached “In Committee” and never advanced before the session ended, so it can no longer move — a new version would have to be reintroduced in the current session.

Where can I track SB 1151?

Track SB 1151 free on One Click Politics — get push/email alerts when it moves.