PHOENIX — Senator Mark Finchem, along with Senator Angius, has introduced SB 1148, a bill that would return attorney licensing and discipline to direct public authority.
Today, the licensing and discipline of lawyers in Arizona is largely handled by the State Bar, a private organization that operates outside direct voter control. This arrangement has raised concerns about transparency, fairness, and accountability, especially in controversial cases.
If enacted, SB 1148 would make the Arizona Supreme Court solely responsible for licensing attorneys, setting qualifications, running background checks, and handling discipline and disbarment. The bill would also prohibit forcing attorneys to join any nongovernmental organization as a condition of practicing law.
The bill would strengthen public trust in the legal system by ensuring attorneys answer to the courts and the Constitution, not to private associations. It would restore clear lines of authority and reinforce accountability in a system that affects every Arizona citizen.
Bill details: https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/83931