(a) The board may aid in all matters pertaining to the advancement of the science of jurisprudence or to the improvement of the administration of justice.
(b) Notwithstanding this section or any other law, the board shall not conduct or participate in, or authorize any committee, agency, employee, or commission of the State Bar to conduct or participate in any evaluation, review, or report on the qualifications, integrity, diligence, or judicial ability of any specific justice of a court provided for in Section 2 or 3 of Article VI of the California Constitution without prior review and statutory authorization by the Legislature.
The provisions of this subdivision shall not be construed to prohibit a licensee of the State Bar from conducting or participating in such an evaluation, review, or report in his or her individual capacity.
The provisions of this subdivision shall not be construed to prohibit an evaluation of potential judicial appointees or nominees as authorized by Section 12011.5 of the Government Code.