Senate Bill No. [number], introduced by G. Hertz, aims to revise the education requirements for individuals seeking initial licensure as certified public accountants (CPAs) in Montana. The bill amends Section 37-50-305 of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA) by removing the requirement for applicants to have completed 150 semester hours of credit and instead mandates that they must have graduated from an accredited college or university with a baccalaureate degree and met the accounting and business course credit hour requirements specified by board rule. Additionally, the bill clarifies that licensees must obtain continuing education credits as determined by board and department rules.

Furthermore, the bill introduces a new section that establishes a delayed effective date for the changes, setting it to take effect on January 1, 2026. This allows for a transition period for both applicants and the board to adjust to the new requirements. The revisions aim to streamline the licensure process while ensuring that candidates still meet essential educational standards.

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