Bill > SB1291

This bill aims to address the declining number of Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) by modifying the educational and professional experience requirements for obtaining a CPA license in Hawaii. The bill provides alternative pathways to licensure by allowing applicants to substitute additional professional experience for the traditional 30 semester hours of additional education beyond a bachelor's degree. Specifically, the bill requires a baccalaureate degree with at least 18 semester hours of upper-division or graduate-level accounting or auditing subjects, and offers two main alternatives: first, completing 30 additional semester hours of study as determined by the board, or second, demonstrating an additional 12 months of professional experience in public accounting practice. The legislation also expands flexibility by allowing professional experience in private or government accounting to potentially substitute for some of the required public accounting practice experience. By repealing an existing section of law related to educational requirements and modifying the current licensing provisions, the bill seeks to lower barriers to entry for potential CPAs while maintaining professional standards, ultimately addressing the growing need for qualified accountants in an increasingly complex business environment.

Business and Industry

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=1291&year=2025