WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 2459

Relating to compensation of state employees.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Farrah Chaichi and 1 co-sponsor

Establishes new CPA licensure pathways based on degree plus supervised experience (effective 2027), expanding routes beyond exam-only and shifting mobility decisions to Illinois.

In committee upon adjournment.
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 2459

Summary — HB 2459 (Public Accounting Licensure) — Public Act 104‑0228

Status and key dates
- Introduced: February 5, 2025
- Passed both chambers: May 22, 2025
- Sent to Governor: June 20, 2025
- Governor approved: August 15, 2025
- Effective date: January 1, 2026
- Enacted as: Public Act 104‑0228

Purpose
- To amend the Illinois Public Accounting Act to (1) revise several definitions and licensing provisions, (2) change interstate mobility/reciprocity procedures for out‑of‑state CPAs, and (3) add new licensure pathways based on degree + supervised experience beginning in 2027. The Act also replaces references to a national appraisal service with state committee authority for certain determinations.

Major provisions and changes
- Definitions and terminology
- Updates and clarifies multiple definitions (Sections 0.03 and others), including “accountancy activities,” “address/email of record,” and distinctions between exam certificates, certifications, registrations, and licenses.
- Revises the definition of “CPA firm” to remove a reference to (general) limited liability companies and explicitly include professional limited liability companies.
- Replaces the term “substantial equivalency” with “enhanced mobility” in relevant provisions.

  • Interstate licensure / mobility (reciprocity)

    • For individuals whose principal place of business is not in Illinois but who hold a valid CPA license from another state, the issuing state’s licensure requirements must be equivalent to Illinois criteria. If not equivalent, the individual must petition the Public Accountant Registration and Licensure Committee for an equivalency determination.
    • Moves responsibility for enhanced mobility determinations from the National Qualification Appraisal Service (NASBA) to the state Public Accountant Registration and Licensure Committee (and the Department), eliminating the NQAS verification step in the statute.

  • New experience‑based licensure pathways (effective on or after January 1, 2027)

    • The Department may license, as licensed CPAs, individuals who meet either:
    • A bachelor’s degree in accounting from an accredited institution + an exam certificate or certification from the Board + at least 2 years of qualifying experience (experience defined by Department rule); or
    • A master’s degree in accounting, or a bachelor’s degree plus 30 accounting hours from an accredited institution + an exam certificate/certification + at least 1 year of qualifying experience (as defined by Department rule).

  • Other conforming and administrative changes

    • Various statutory cross‑references and procedural rules are updated to reflect the above changes (Sections 3, 5.2, 8, 14, 14.2, 28).

Who is affected
- Current and prospective CPAs and CPA firms (including out‑of‑state licensees seeking Illinois mobility or licensure).
- The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, the Board of Examiners, and the Public Accountant Registration and Licensure Committee (expanded role in equivalency and mobility determinations).
- Accredited colleges/universities and accounting educators (because of degree/credit hour pathways and experience rules to be set by Department rule).

Procedural/timing notes
- Some statutory language remains subject to a scheduled repeal date (sections noted as scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2029).
- The new degree + experience licensure routes will be available on or after January 1, 2027, subject to Department rulemaking that will define qualifying experience and implement details.

Potential practical impacts
- Creates alternative licensure paths that combine academic credentials plus supervised experience (potentially broader routes to licensure than strict semester‑hour-only approaches).
- Shifts certain interstate equivalency judgments from a national service to the state committee, increasing state control over mobility/equivalency decisions.
- Adjusts firm entity language, possibly affecting firm registration filings (professional LLC language).

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

Sign in to ask a question.