SB 571 New Hampshire Senate · 2026 Regular Session

relative to the requirements to be issued a certificate as a certified public accountant.

SB 571 updates New Hampshire's requirements for issuing CPA certificates. It replaces the term "substantial equivalency" with "comparable" when evaluating foreign accountancy credentials, making the standard clearer for applicants with international qualifications. The bill also modifies educational rules by requiring a bachelor's degree plus 30 additional credit hours in accounting (including specific subjects like auditing and taxation), and allows candidates to take the CPA exam up to 120 days before graduating. These changes directly affect individuals seeking CPA licensure in New Hampshire, particularly those with foreign credentials or nearing degree completion.
Bill status failed 3 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Nov 2025
Committee Review
Apr 2026
Senate Passage
Jan 2026
House Passage
Governor
Introduced Nov 24, 2025 Last action Apr 9, 2026
Floor votes

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Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
10
Key actions
2
Committee
3
Apr 2, 2026
Committee
Committee Report: Inexpedient to Legislate 04/01/2026 (Vote 14-0; CC)
lower
Feb 26, 2026
Introduced
Introduced 02/19/2026 and referred to Executive Departments and Administration HJ 5 P. 127
lower
Jan 29, 2026
Upper · Passed
Ought to Pass: MA, VV; OT3rdg; 01/29/2026; SJ 2
upper
Jan 22, 2026
Upper · Passed
Committee Report: Ought to Pass, 01/29/2026; Vote 5-0; CC; SC 3
upper
Nov 24, 2025
Introduced
Introduced 01/07/2026 and Referred to Executive Departments and Administration; SJ 1
upper
1 primary · 10 co-sponsors

Sponsors