STATE OF OKLAHOMA

1st Session of the 52nd Legislature (2009)

SENATE BILL 997	By:	Coffee

AS INTRODUCED

An Act relating to attorneys; amending 5 O.S. 2001, Section 18, which relates to inactive status; making payment of certain dues voluntary; removing certain fee requirements; making language gender neutral; and providing an effective date.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA:
SECTION 1.     AMENDATORY     5 O.S. 2001, Section 18, is amended to read as follows:
Section 18.  A.  The requirement for payment of annual dues pursuant to Section 1 of Article VIII of the Bar Association Rules shall be voluntary.  Any payment of such dues shall be made solely at the discretion of a person who has been admitted to practice as an attorney in this state.
A. B.   Any person who has been admitted to practice as an attorney in this state, who is a member in good standing of the bar of this state, and who meets all requirements for licensure in this state may apply for status as an inactive member of the bar.
B. C.  The application for such status shall contain:
1.  The person's attorney’s name, bar number, residence address, telephone number or numbers where he or she can be reached;
2.  The reason or reasons he the attorney desires such status;
3.  A statement that he the attorney understands that, while on such status, he or she may not do anything which constitutes the practice of law while in this state;
4.  A statement that he the attorney has notified all of his or her clients in this state that he or she is no longer practicing in this state; and
5.  An affidavit that the information given is true and correct.
C. D.  Immediately upon receipt of the application, the Supreme Court or its designee shall acknowledge the application and enter the person's name on a roll of inactive attorneys.
D. E.  While on inactive status, an attorney shall not be required to complete any continuing legal education requirements and shall be required to pay only twenty percent (20%) of the annual dues of an active member.
E. F.  While on inactive status, an attorney shall not receive the Oklahoma Bar Journal or any other services from the Oklahoma Bar Association except upon such terms and conditions, including payment of charges and fees, as shall be established by the Association.
F. G.  Once on inactive status, an attorney may reactivate his or her license to practice upon payment of the equivalent of one year's annual dues to the Association and upon successful completion of one year's mandatory continuing legal education requirement.
SECTION 2.  This act shall become effective November 1, 2009.

52-1-1402	TEK	1/15/2009 2:59:33 PM