The bill revises the education requirements for applicants seeking initial licensure as certified public accountants in Montana. It amends Section 37-50-305 of the Montana Code Annotated to specify that applicants must graduate from an accredited college or university with a baccalaureate degree and meet certain credit hour requirements for accounting and business courses as determined by board rule. Additionally, it establishes that licensees must obtain continuing education credits as outlined by board and department rules.

A significant change introduced in the bill allows applicants who have not completed the required educational hours to still obtain a certified public accountant license if they meet alternative requirements set by the board, which may include additional work experience equivalent to the standard educational provisions. This amendment aims to provide more flexibility in the licensure process while maintaining the integrity of the profession.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 37-50-305
SB0166_1(1): 37-50-305
SB0166_1(2): 37-50-305
SB0166_1(3): 37-50-305
SB0166_1(4): 37-50-305
SB0166_1: 37-50-305