This bill amends several sections of the Idaho Code related to the regulation of certified public accountants (CPAs). Key changes include the Idaho State Board of Accountancy's authority to adopt and amend rules subject to legislative approval, and the introduction of new educational pathways for obtaining a CPA license. Specifically, the bill replaces the previous requirement of a minimum of 150 semester hours of education with three alternative pathways that include a postbaccalaureate degree, a baccalaureate degree with additional credit hours, or a baccalaureate degree with an accounting concentration. Additionally, the experience requirements for licensure have been revised to specify different experience durations based on the educational pathway chosen.

The bill also repeals the existing section on substantial equivalency requirements and introduces a new section that grants practice privileges to CPAs licensed in other states, allowing them to provide services in Idaho without needing a separate state license, provided they meet certain educational and experience criteria. This change aims to facilitate the practice of CPAs from other states while ensuring compliance with Idaho's regulations. The bill declares an emergency, making it effective on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 54-204, 54-207, 54-208, 54-209, 54-227