Texas, the third largest state in terms of CPA licensees, has introduced legislation this week to offer an alternative pathway to licensure.
Senate Bill 262 is sponsored by Texas Senator Charles Perry, CPA. The alternative pathway proposed in the bill is based on completion of a baccalaureate degree, passing the Uniform CPA exam and two years of experience as defined by board rule. The legislation states the new path would be in place by September 1, 2025. This would be another licensure option for future CPAs to pursue in addition to the existing 150-hour requirement and one year of experience.
A second bill strengthening their current interstate mobility law through “automatic mobility” is also expected to be pursued early next year.
Texas is part of an increasing number of states that are looking to move toward alternative pathways for CPA licensure as a way to strengthen the accounting profession in the face of a shrinking talent pipeline and ensure sustainability in the competitive business market. This includes Ohio. As you know from our Town Halls, CPA Takeaways and LegUp articles and other learning events over the last two years, OSCPA has been focused on these proposed changes as well.
Be sure to watch OSCPA’s CPA Takeaways (Thursdays) and LegUp (Sundays) for more information on this rapidly evolving issue.