State Bar of California: annual license fee.

Senator Umberg's proposal to modify California's attorney licensing fee structure would authorize the State Bar Board to set annual fees for active attorneys through 2026, extending the current framework that expires January 1, 2026. The legislation maintains the board's authority to establish fees while leaving the maximum amount unspecified, compared to the existing $400 cap for 2025.

The measure preserves existing payment flexibility mechanisms, allowing eligible attorneys to pay their annual fees through installment plans with associated interest costs. The State Bar Board retains discretion to offer additional payment methods, including credit card options, and may assess supplemental fees to offset administrative expenses for these alternative payment arrangements. All fees must be paid within timeframes established by the State Bar, with due dates separated by at least 12 months.

These provisions would remain in effect until January 1, 2027, at which point they would be automatically repealed. The State Bar of California, as the public corporation responsible for attorney licensing and regulation, would continue administering fee collection and payment programs under this temporary extension of its fee-setting authority.