The bill, HB 1825-FN-A, proposes the establishment of an independent Legal Licensing Board in New Hampshire to oversee the regulation of legal practice, introducing new pathways for licensure and modifying existing requirements. Key insertions include definitions for terms such as "bar examination," "good moral character," and "legal apprenticeship," which clarify the standards for legal practice. The bill allows any member of the public to apply for the bar examination without restrictions on educational background, mandates the board to issue certificates to successful candidates, and introduces a licensing process that encompasses traditional education, legal apprenticeships, and direct examination. Additionally, the bill changes terminology from "admission" to "license" and transfers authority from the supreme court to the new board, which will have exclusive control over licensing decisions and requirements.

The bill also outlines the operational framework for the New Hampshire bar association and other legal associations, ensuring that membership does not impact an attorney's licensure. It retains the supreme court's authority over court practice while establishing a professional conduct committee for disciplinary matters. The bill includes provisions for automatic suspension of licensure upon felony conviction and allows the attorney general to seek relief against unauthorized practice of law. It appropriates $500,000 from the General Fund for the board's initial operations and anticipates that the board will become self-sustaining through fees by July 1, 2029. However, concerns are raised regarding the ongoing revenue needed to support attorney discipline functions, as the Judicial Branch expects increased expenditures due to the dual system of attorney admission and discipline alongside the new licensing board.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 311:2
HB1825 text: 311:2