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House passes bill widening pathways to CPA licensure and easing mobility rules
Summary
The Oregon House approved Senate Bill 797, a Board of Accountancy–requested measure that creates a new bachelor-level pathway to CPA licensure, clarifies reciprocity and mobility rules, and broadens eligibility for appointment to the state board.
The Oregon House of Representatives on Thursday passed Senate Bill 797, a measure requested by the Oregon Board of Accountancy that changes requirements for certified public accountant (CPA) and public accountant licensure and updates board appointment eligibility.
Supporters said the bill is intended to address a shrinking CPA pipeline and improve workforce mobility. Representative Choetzen urged members to support the measure, saying it would “create an additional CPA lisonbee pathway, to include a bachelor level pathway to becoming a CPA” and ease license mobility across state lines.
The bill restores an additional option to enter the profession by allowing a bachelor-level pathway alongside existing education-hour pathways. It also revises definitions and licensing mechanics across ORS chapter 673 provisions: the text amends rules on admission to the CPA exam, standards for substantial equivalency of out-of-state licenses, reciprocal licensing, licensing for foreign licensees, and biennial renewal and continuing education for Oregon licensees. The measure allows the Oregon Board of Accountancy to verify experience, require an ethics examination and set rules for license issuance and renewal.
The bill also broadens eligibility for appointment to professional seats on the state board by allowing any active licensee (CPA or public accountant) to be considered for appointment, a change advocates said will ease staffing of board positions.
Representative Reschke moved to suspend the constitutional requirement to read the bill section-by-section; the motion carried and the bill was read by title only. The House declared Senate Bill 797 passed after the required majority vote.
Discussion: proponents emphasized workforce shortages (noting a recent decline in accounting degree completions and projected retirements) and called the measure a largely technical, national-aligned update. No recorded amendments were reported on the floor.
Next steps: with House passage, the bill proceeds to enrollment and then to the governor according to regular legislative process.
