The Arizona Supreme Court, which oversees the State Bar of Arizona (SBA), is considering proposed changes to the SBA, and approved one temporary emergency rule change Friday. The SBA, whose leadership is dominated by progressives, has come under intense criticism in recent years for targeting conservative attorneys, especially election attorneys. The court adopted R-24-0046 as an emergency rule in order to allow it to go into effect temporarily before the 2024 general election. It limits the ability of those who have no connection to a matter to file a complaint against an attorney.
The justices are reviewing 70 total rule change petitions, and will decide whether to adopt, adopt with amendment, reject, or continue a change. Changes resulting from this process will then be referred to a study committee for further consideration. The rule change process began in January, with proposals offered to the public for comment. The justices are expected to make their decisions on all 70 rule change petitions within the next few days. Most rules that are adopted will go into effect in January.
R-24-0046 will reduce the access that complainants have to the bar complaint process if they have no connection to the complaint, such as receiving updates and the ability to appeal. Instead, if the SBA believes the accusations are valid, the quasi-governing body will become the complainant instead of the person who filed the complaint.
The SBA said there have been at least 40 election-related cases submitted since November 2020. Arizona Supreme Court Chief Justice Ann Timmer said the court will consider whether to adopt the rule permanently at its Rules Agenda meeting in December.
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