Expenditure Protest Policy

The purpose of the State Bar of Texas is to engage in those activities enumerated at §81.012 of the State Bar Act. The expenditure of funds by the State Bar of Texas is limited both as set forth at §81.034 of the State Bar Act and in Keller v. State Bar of California, 496 U.S. 1 (1990). If any member feels that any actual or proposed expenditure is not within such purposes of, or limitations on, the State Bar, then such member may object thereto and seek a refund of a pro rata portion of his or her dues expended, plus interest, by filing a written objection with the Executive Director. The objection must be made in writing, addressed to the Executive Director of the State Bar, P.O. Box 12487, Austin, TX 78711, and postmarked no later than NINETY (90) days after the conclusion of the challenged activity.

Upon receipt of a member's objection, the Executive Director shall promptly review such objection together with the allocation of dues monies spent on the challenged activity and, in consultation with the President, shall have the discretion to resolve the objection, including refunding a pro rata portion of the member's dues, plus interest. Refund of a pro rata share of the member's dues shall be for the convenience of the Bar, and shall not be construed as an admission that the challenged activity was or would not have been within the purposes of or limitations on the State Bar.