In Re: Amendment of Rules 219(d)(2), (f), (h)(2), (j)(1) and (2), and (k) of PaRDE

Summary

This per curiam document amends Rules 219(d)(2), (f), (h)(2), (j)(1) and (2), and (k) of the Pennsylvania Rules of Disciplinary Enforcement concerning annual attorney registration. The amendments address electronic and mailed payment methods, returned payments, collection fees, late penalties, administrative suspension, and inactive attorney status.

Holdings

1. Rule 219(d)(2) was amended to permit annual fees to be paid electronically by credit or debit card through the Attorney Registration Office's online system or by check or money order drawn on a United States bank, with payment-related collection fees applying to unpaid or returned payments.
2. An attorney who fails to complete registration by the specified deadlines is subject to non-waivable late-payment penalties and, after continued noncompliance, administrative suspension under the amended Rule 219(f).
3. Under the amended Rule 219(h)(2), (j)(1) and (2), and (k), unpaid or returned payments require payment of an applicable collection fee and may result in return to administrative suspension or inactive status, as applicable.

Questions Presented

1. Whether Pennsylvania Rule of Disciplinary Enforcement 219 should be amended to revise the permitted methods of annual-fee payment and the consequences of unpaid or returned payments.
2. What registration, penalty, administrative-suspension, reinstatement, and inactive-status procedures apply under the amended Rule 219.

Disposition

other