The bill amends Section 37-50-305 of the Montana Code Annotated to revise the education requirements for applicants seeking initial licensure as certified public accountants (CPAs). Specifically, it removes the requirement for applicants to have completed a specific number of semester hours of credit after graduating from an accredited college or university with a baccalaureate degree. Instead, it stipulates that applicants must meet the accounting and business course credit hour requirements as specified by board rule. Additionally, the bill outlines that licensees must obtain continuing education credits as determined by board and department rules, and it establishes conditions under which the board may conduct audits of licensees based on compliance rates.

The bill also includes a provision for a delayed effective date, stating that the act will take effect on January 1, 2026. This allows for a transition period for the implementation of the new education requirements and any necessary adjustments to the rules governing CPA licensure.

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(5): 37-50-305
SB0166_1(6): 37-50-305
SB0166_1(7): 37-50-305
SB0166_1(8): 37-50-305
SB0166_1(9): 37-50-305
SB0166_1: 37-50-305
SB0166_2(1): 37-50-305
SB0166_2(10): 37-50-305
SB0166_2(11): 37-50-305
SB0166_2(2): 37-50-305
SB0166_2(3): 37-50-305
SB0166_2(4): 37-50-305
SB0166_2(5): 37-50-305
SB0166_2(6): 37-50-305
SB0166_2(7): 37-50-305
SB0166_2(8): 37-50-305
SB0166_2(9): 37-50-305
SB0166_2: 37-50-305
SB0166_X(1): 37-50-305
SB0166_X(2): 37-50-305
SB0166_X(3): 37-50-305
SB0166_X(4): 37-50-305
SB0166_X(5): 37-50-305
SB0166_X: 37-50-305