attorney discipline investigations; costs

SB 1039 (Attorney Discipline Investigations; Costs) requires the Arizona State Bar to cover specific costs for attorneys who successfully defend against discipline charges. If an attorney wins an ethics case, the State Bar must pay their attorney fees, lost earnings during the entire investigation and appeal process, and all court costs. The bill also allows attorneys to file claims for reputation damage if they suffer harm from the proceedings. It applies only to cases where the State Bar does not dismiss a complaint before final court resolution. This changes financial responsibility from the attorney to the State Bar in successful defense cases.