Bill > SB215

This bill modifies the legal framework governing the State Bar of Georgia, primarily focusing on changing the mandatory membership requirements for lawyers and clarifying the Supreme Court's administrative responsibilities. Drawing from the Supreme Court's Janus v. AFSCME decision, the bill emphasizes that lawyers cannot be compelled to join or financially support a bar association against their will. The legislation specifically restricts the State Bar's activities to essential professional regulatory functions, such as establishing practice rules, administering bar exams, admitting qualified lawyers, enforcing ethical standards, managing continuing legal education requirements, and preventing unauthorized legal practice. Key changes include removing language that previously established the State Bar as a mandatory unified organization and explicitly stating that no individual can be required to be a bar association member as a condition of practicing law. The bill preserves existing processes like the option for lawyers to request a jury trial before disbarment and maintains the Supreme Court's authority to propose and adopt rules governing legal practice, while ensuring proposed rules are publicly shared and open to comment. The changes are set to take effect on July 1, 2026, with the stated intent of protecting lawyers' freedom of association and preventing compelled speech or financial support for organizational activities beyond core regulatory functions.

Justice

https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/70555