SB 15: Certified Public Accountant Licensing Amendments - Utah

Amended 3/5/2025 20:03:192 → Substitute #1 · 6 edits

MODERATE

This bill amends Utah's CPA licensing laws to remove the 2,000-hour experience requirement, add a requirement for a bachelor's degree with accounting concentration, allow out-of-state CPAs to practice under certain conditions, and authorize the Division of Professional Licensing to issue citations and fines for unlawful conduct. The changes modernize licensing standards and strengthen enforcement capabilities.

Scope change

The bill expands practice privileges for out-of-state CPAs and modifies eligibility requirements for new licensees, while maintaining the core regulatory framework for CPA licensing in Utah.

REQUIREMENT

Eliminated the 2,000-hour experience requirement for CPA licensure

Added requirement that applicants must have a bachelor's degree with concentration in accounting and business

Changed experience requirements based on degree level (1 year for master's, 2 years for bachelor's)

ELIGIBILITY

Expanded eligibility for out-of-state CPAs to practice in Utah under specific conditions

ENFORCEMENT

Authorized the Division of Professional Licensing to issue citations and assess fines for unlawful conduct

TIMELINE

Set effective date of July 1, 2026

Amended Excerpts 3/5/2025 20:03:192 → Amended 3/5/2025 20:03:192 · 5 edits

MODERATE

This bill updates Utah's CPA licensing requirements by removing the experience hour requirement, adding a degree requirement (bachelor's or master's with accounting concentration), and allowing out-of-state CPA licenses to be recognized under certain conditions. It also strengthens enforcement by authorizing the Division of Professional Licensing to issue citations and fines for unlawful conduct.

Scope change

The bill expands the scope of CPA regulation by adding educational requirements and recognizing out-of-state licenses while removing the previous experience hour threshold.

REQUIREMENT

Removed the requirement for 120 semester hours (180 quarter hours) of education and replaced it with a requirement for a bachelor's or master's degree with a concentration in accounting and business.

ELIGIBILITY

Added provisions allowing individuals with valid CPA licenses from other states to practice in Utah under certain conditions.

ENFORCEMENT

Authorized the Division of Professional Licensing to issue citations and assess fines for unlawful conduct related to CPAs.

DEFINITION

Updated the definition of 'Attest and attestation engagement' to include various types of professional services and clarified how standards are adopted by the division.

TECHNICAL

Added general description, highlighted provisions, and Utah Code sections affected to the bill text for clarity and legislative tracking.

Enrolled → Amended Excerpts 3/5/2025 20:03:192 · 8 edits

MODERATE

This bill amends Utah's CPA licensing laws to remove the 2,000-hour experience requirement and replace it with a degree requirement, while also adding provisions for out-of-state CPAs to practice in Utah under certain conditions. The changes aim to modernize licensing standards and streamline the process for qualified professionals.

Scope change

The bill expands eligibility for out-of-state CPAs to practice in Utah through licensure by endorsement and creates a new pathway for individuals with valid out-of-state licenses to practice without Utah licensure under specific conditions.

REQUIREMENT

Removed the 2,000-hour experience requirement for CPA licensure in Utah.

Modified experience requirements to require one year of accounting experience for master's degree holders and two years for bachelor's degree holders.

Modified examination requirements to require demonstration of a bachelor's degree or equivalent before taking qualifying examinations.

ELIGIBILITY

Added a requirement that CPA applicants must have a bachelor's degree, master's degree, or equivalent with a concentration in accounting and business.

Added provisions allowing out-of-state CPAs to practice in Utah through licensure by endorsement if they meet Utah's education, examination, and experience requirements at the time of their original licensure.

Added exemptions allowing out-of-state CPAs to practice in Utah without licensure if their state's requirements are substantially equivalent to Utah's and they consent to Utah's jurisdiction.

ENFORCEMENT

Added authority for the Division of Professional Licensing to issue citations and assess fines for unlawful conduct by CPAs.

DEFINITION

Modified the definition of 'Certified Public Accountant' to include individuals licensed in other states who meet Utah's licensure requirements.

Introduced → Enrolled · 6 edits · Mar 26, 2025

MODERATE

This bill updates Utah's CPA licensing requirements by removing the 2,000-hour experience requirement, adding a bachelor's degree requirement with accounting and business concentrations, and expanding exemptions for out-of-state CPAs. It also strengthens enforcement by authorizing the Division of Professional Licensing to issue citations and assess fines for unlawful conduct. The changes aim to modernize licensing standards while maintaining professional competency requirements.

Scope change

The bill expands the scope of practice privileges for out-of-state CPAs and modifies eligibility criteria for Utah CPA licensure.

REQUIREMENT

Eliminated the 2,000-hour experience requirement for CPA licensure

Added requirement that CPA applicants must have a bachelor's degree with concentrations in accounting and business

ELIGIBILITY

Expanded practice privileges for out-of-state CPAs through new endorsement and exemption provisions

ENFORCEMENT

Authorized the Division of Professional Licensing to issue citations and assess fines for unlawful conduct

TIMELINE

Set effective date of January 1, 2026

DEFINITION

Updated various CPA-related definitions including 'substantial equivalency' and 'unlawful conduct'

Certified Public Accountant Licensing Amendments

What changed between versions

How they voted

Actions timeline

Sponsors