Bill > AB1175

This bill modifies California's regulations for certified public accountants (CPAs), introducing several key changes to licensing, education, and practice requirements. Operative from January 1, 2027, the bill establishes an alternative set of qualifications for CPA licensure, including a requirement to complete an accounting concentration from a board-recognized U.S. institution of higher education. The bill allows the California Board of Accountancy to issue licenses to applicants from other states with comparable licensure requirements, removing some previous restrictions on practice privileges. It modifies experience requirements, now mandating two years of qualifying experience and potentially allowing an advanced degree in an accounting-related subject to substitute for one year of experience. The bill also expands the board's regulatory power, allowing it to require specific job tasks for attest services and to establish regulations for accounting study guidelines. Additionally, the bill enhances consumer protection by requiring more transparent disclosure of out-of-state licensee information and creating a more rigorous process for evaluating practice privileges from other states. These changes aim to modernize and streamline the CPA licensing process while maintaining professional standards and public protection.

Budget and Finance, Business and Industry

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB1175