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SSB 1141

A bill for an act relating to qualifications for a certificate as a certified public accountant and including effective date provisions.

2025-2026 Regular Session

SSB 1141 raises CPA certification standards by requiring 150 or 120 college hours plus relevant experience, enhancing professionalism for aspiring accountants.

Subcommittee recommends passage.
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Bill Summary · SSB 1141

Summary of SSB 1141: Qualifications for Certified Public Accountant Certification

Bill Number: SSB 1141
Introduced: February 18, 2025
Status: Subcommittee recommends passage
Classification: Proposed Bill
Subject Areas: Accountancy, Business and Commerce, Colleges and Universities, Professional Licensure

Purpose and Intent

SSB 1141 aims to amend the qualifications required for individuals seeking certification as Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) in the state. The bill seeks to ensure that applicants possess adequate educational background and relevant experience, thereby enhancing the professionalism and competency of CPAs.

Key Provisions

The bill proposes significant changes to Section 542.5 of the Code 2025, specifically regarding the qualifications for initial issuance of a CPA certificate. The main provisions include:

  1. Educational Requirements:

    • Applicants must complete one of the following:
      • Option 1: At least 150 semester hours of college education, a degree, and one year of relevant experience.
      • Option 2: At least 120 semester hours of college education, a degree, and two years of relevant experience.
    • The degree must be at least a baccalaureate and conferred by a college or university recognized by the board, with a concentration in accounting or a substantially equivalent field.

  2. Experience Requirements:

    • Experience must involve providing services or advice in areas such as accounting, financial advisory, tax, or consulting, verified by the applicant.
    • Acceptable experience can be gained in government, industry, academia, or the public sector.

  3. Removal of Previous Provisions:

    • The bill also proposes the removal of certain existing subsections that may be outdated or redundant.

Impact

The changes proposed in SSB 1141 will primarily affect:
- Aspiring CPAs: Individuals seeking certification will need to meet the revised educational and experience criteria, which may raise the bar for entry into the profession.
- Educational Institutions: Colleges and universities may need to adjust their accounting programs to ensure they meet the new standards set forth by the bill.
- Employers in the Accounting Sector: Firms may need to adapt their hiring practices and expectations based on the new qualifications of CPA candidates.

Procedural Timeline

  • February 18, 2025: Bill introduced and referred to the State Government committee.
  • February 20, 2025: Subcommittee meeting held to discuss the bill.
  • February 26, 2025: Committee report approving the bill; it was renumbered as SF 477.
  • March 3, 2025: Subcommittee recommends passage of the bill.

Conclusion

SSB 1141 represents a significant step toward modernizing the qualifications for CPAs, ensuring that those entering the profession are well-prepared and competent. The proposed changes reflect a commitment to maintaining high standards in the field of accountancy, ultimately benefiting both the profession and the public.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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