California AB 2784 updates State Bar licensing, disciplinary rules,…

Where This Stands

Currently Unknown. The next step in the legislative lifecycle is Introduced.

Version history & redline

4 versions on file

Official version history is partial: 4 linked texts are unavailable or incomplete. Source links remain available below.

Comparing 04/08/26 - Amended Assembly → 04/16/26 - Amended Assembly

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Redline computed from the official version text (record lane).View this version →

The Frame

What this does

The bill directly impacts all California attorneys by changing annual licensing fees, expanding the scope of conduct that can lead to suspension or disbarment, and altering the administrative requirements for maintaining a law license.

Who is mentioned in the record

Potentially affected actors named in the source documents. Mention is not a position.

California attorneys

Attorneys face new disciplinary risks, updated fee structures, and expanded subpoena powers during investigations.

Law schools

Entities must meet specific accreditation or registration requirements to use the term 'law school' in their business names.

Financial institutions

Banks must now report Interest on Lawyer's Trust Accounts (IOLTA) to the State Bar.

California Lawyers Association

The association's fee collection arrangement with the State Bar is scheduled to end on January 1, 2030.

What changed

Last recorded activity August 30, 2026.

What's next

Introduced.

Summary

This bill updates State Bar of California operations by expanding disciplinary grounds for attorney misconduct, revising license fee structures for 2027, and modifying how the Bar interacts with voluntary attorney associations. It also grants the Bar new authority to subpoena attorneys under investigation and tightens rules for entities identifying as law schools.

Key Facts

You don't have to trust us. Each fact below is taken straight from the official document - click any one to see the exact passage, highlighted in the original.

Why It Matters

The bill directly impacts all California attorneys by changing annual licensing fees, expanding the scope of conduct that can lead to suspension or disbarment, and altering the administrative requirements for maintaining a law license.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does this bill affect my annual license fee?

For 2027, the bill sets the maximum annual license fee at $400 for active licensees and $100 for inactive licensees.

Can the State Bar now subpoena me if I am under investigation?

Yes, the bill authorizes the Chief Trial Counsel to compel the attendance and production of documents from the attorney who is the subject of an investigation.

What happens if I am convicted of a felony?

The bill expands the grounds for disbarment or suspension to include any felony conviction, requiring the Office of the Chief Trial Counsel to transmit the record to the California Supreme Court.

News Coverage

No news coverage found yet. Articles are indexed twice daily.

Discoveries

Patterns POLISCOPE noticed across the record. These are observations to investigate, not conclusions.

policy shift90% confidence

Expansion of Disciplinary Authority

The bill marks a shift toward broader disciplinary oversight by allowing the subpoena of subjects of investigations and expanding disbarment criteria to any felony.

State Bar of California California Supreme Court

Connected Entities

organizationCalBar Connect“The entity designated to manage affinity program revenue.”Map →

organizationCalifornia Lawyers Association“A voluntary association for which the State Bar collects fees.”Map →

organizationCalifornia ChangeLawyers“The recipient of affinity program revenue.”Map →

organizationCommittee of Bar Examiners“The committee overseeing law school accreditation and moral character.”Map →

organizationState Bar of California“The primary regulatory body for attorneys in California.”Map →

organizationCalifornia Supreme Court“The court responsible for attorney suspension and disbarment.”Map →

Sources

Open source document

openstates.org

Analysis Score

0–100

Significance85
How much this matters to a regular citizen
Controversy40
Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
Entertainment10
Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
Buzz30
Current news / social attention level

California AB 2784 updates State Bar licensing, disciplinary rules, and fee collection