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 definitions for terms such as "bar examination," "good moral character," and "legal apprenticeship." It allows any member of the public to apply for the bar examination without restrictions on educational background or professional experience, and mandates the board to issue certificates to successful candidates. The bill also introduces various pathways to licensure, including traditional education, legal apprenticeships, and direct examination with supervision. Key deletions from current law include the shift from "admission" to "license" for practicing law and the transfer of authority from the supreme court to the new board, which will have exclusive control over licensing decisions and requirements.

Additionally, the bill outlines the relationship between licensure and court practice, emphasizing that the supreme court retains authority over who may practice before the courts. It establishes a professional conduct committee for disciplinary matters and allows appeals to the supreme court regarding board decisions. The bill also includes provisions for automatic suspension of licensure upon felony conviction and prohibits corporations from practicing law, with certain exceptions. Starting July 1, 2029, the board is expected to become self-sustaining through fees, while the Judicial Branch anticipates increased expenditures due to the need to maintain existing attorney admission and discipline functions alongside the new board. The bill appropriates $500,000 from the General Fund for the board's initial operations, but the overall fiscal impact remains uncertain.

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