ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 57th Legislature, 2nd Regular Session Majority Research Staff
	Senate: JUDE DP 4-3-0-0 | Third Read 16-11-3-0-0 House: JUD DP 6-2-0-1

---

SB 1148: supreme court; attorney licensing

Sponsor: Senator Finchem, LD 1

Caucus & COW

Overview

Mandates that the Supreme Court of Arizona must directly license attorneys in Arizona, restricts it from delegating this duty to any other organization and provides guidelines for rules it must adopt in order to carry out this duty.

History

Arizona attorney licensing and regulation, including admission and discipline, are controlled by the Arizona Supreme Court. Admissions are handled through the Court’s Attorney Admissions Unit, which processes applications and administers the Arizona Bar Examination. The Arizona Supreme Court Clerk’s office is also responsible for supplying a Certificate of Admission to applicants once they have completed all admissions requirements (Rules for the Supreme Court of Arizona).

Provisions

1. Requires the Supreme Court of Arizona to directly license attorneys for the practice of law in Arizona and restricts it from delegating the duty to any other organization. (Sec. 1)

2. Directs the Supreme Court to adopt rules regarding:

a. minimum qualifications for licensure;

b. testing requirements;

c. requiring a background investigation before obtaining a license; and

d. the process for disciplining and, if necessary, disbarring attorneys. (Sec. 1)

3. Stipulates that an attorney must not be required to be a member of any non-governmental organization to become or remain a licensed attorney in Arizona. (Sec. 1)

---------- DOCUMENT FOOTER ---------

Initials NM/NP                      SB 1148

3/11/2026        Page 0 Caucus & COW

---------- DOCUMENT FOOTER ---------