SB1471 proposes an amendment to the Arizona Revised Statutes by adding section 12-119.06, which would require the Arizona State Bar (Bar) and the Arizona Supreme Court (Supreme Court) to dismiss without comment or investigation any complaints made against an attorney who is a member of the Bar if the complainant does not have an attorney-client relationship with the attorney or another substantial nexus to the attorney's alleged violation or conduct. The bill specifically targets complaints where the complainant alleges that the attorney has violated a rule of professional conduct or has engaged in conduct warranting discipline.

The current law allows the Supreme Court to classify violations of a Rule of Professional Conduct as grounds for discipline and empowers the Bar to assist the Supreme Court with the regulation and discipline of legal professionals. The proposed bill would limit the scope of complaints that can be investigated and potentially alter the process of holding attorneys accountable for professional misconduct. The bill is set to become effective on the general effective date, with no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 42-1117
Senate Engrossed Version: 12-119.06