(a) The board of directors shall vote on each proposed disciplinary rule recommended by the committee not later than the 120th day after the date the rule is received from the committee. The board shall vote for or against the rule or return the rule to the committee for additional consideration.
(b) If a proposed disciplinary rule is approved by a majority of the directors, the board of directors shall petition the supreme court to order a referendum as provided by Section 81.0878 on the rule by the members of the state bar.