S.B. No. 522 amends the Texas Occupations Code to streamline the certification and regulation process for out-of-state certified public accountants (CPAs). The bill allows the Texas State Board to issue certificates to individuals holding valid CPA licenses from other states, provided they meet specific criteria. Notably, the bill removes previous requirements related to verification by the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy and introduces new conditions, such as the necessity for applicants to have passed the uniform CPA examination and completed a degree with a concentration in accounting or equivalent courses. Additionally, it specifies that applicants must have relevant work experience based on their educational pathway.

The bill also establishes provisions for individuals who hold out-of-state CPA licenses and wish to practice in Texas without obtaining a Texas license, as long as they meet the outlined requirements. It includes a clause that allows the board to prohibit individuals from exercising these privileges if they do not meet the necessary criteria. Furthermore, individuals who held a valid out-of-state license as of December 31, 2024, can continue to practice in Texas under the privileges granted by this bill without needing to obtain a Texas license. The act is set to take effect immediately upon receiving a two-thirds vote from both houses or on September 1, 2025, if that threshold is not met.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Occupations Code 901.462 (Occupations Code 901)
Senate Committee Report: Occupations Code 901.259, Occupations Code 901.462 (Occupations Code 901)
Engrossed: Occupations Code 901.259, Occupations Code 901.462 (Occupations Code 901)
House Committee Report: Occupations Code 901.259, Occupations Code 901.462 (Occupations Code 901)
Enrolled: Occupations Code 901.259, Occupations Code 901.462 (Occupations Code 901)