State Bar of California.

Senator Umberg's legislation modifies California State Bar operations by revising examination procedures, licensing fees, and revenue distribution mechanisms. The bill exempts the Committee of Bar Examiners from Bagley-Keene Open Meeting Act requirements while establishing new notification protocols for Bar Examination changes.

The legislation defines what constitutes substantial modifications to the Bar Examination, requiring two years' notice for changes such as switching multiple-choice question vendors from the National Conference of Bar Examiners. The Committee must provide 120 days' notice for alterations to testing software or materials and must disclose any use of artificial intelligence in creating or grading exam questions. The bill also mandates direct communication between the Committee and deans of accredited law schools.

For 2026, the measure maintains annual license fee caps at $400 for active attorneys and $100 for inactive attorneys. The bill restructures revenue distribution from attorney affinity programs, directing funds to the California Lawyers Association and California ChangeLawyers to support legal services projects, diversity initiatives, and access to justice programs. These organizations must submit annual legislative reports detailing fund usage and compliance with program restrictions.