Report 2015-030 Recommendation 12 Responses

Report 2015-030: State Bar of California: It Has Not Consistently Protected the Public Through Its Attorney Discipline Process and Lacks Accountability (Release Date: June 2015)

Recommendation #12 To: Bar of California, State

To ensure that it can justify future expenditures that exceed a certain dollar level, such as capital or IT projects that cost more than $2 million, the State Bar should implement a policy that requires accurate cost-benefit analyses comparing relevant cost estimates. The policy should include a requirement that the State Bar present the analyses to the board to ensure that it has the information necessary to make appropriate and cost-effective decisions. In addition, the State Bar should be clear about the sources of funds it will use to pay for each project.

60-Day Agency Response

At its July 2016 meeting, the board adopted a policy that for all contracts, projects, and expenditures reasonably expected to exceed $2,000,000, State Bar staff must develop and present a written cost-benefit analysis to the board. The policy requires action by the board or the relevant board committee to affirmatively approve the contract, project, or expenditure. All such cost-benefit analyses must discuss a recommended course of action and alternatives. (Agenda Item 147 JULY 13 2015.)

California State Auditor's Assessment of 60-Day Status: Fully Implemented

All Recommendations in 2015-030

Agency responses received are posted verbatim.