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Board agrees to back NASBA/UAA changes to CPA licensure, votes to send supportive comment
Summary
Members of the Consumer Protection Department board voted to submit a short, written statement endorsing proposed Uniform Accountancy Act (UAA) amendments from NASBA and AICPA that add a competency-based experience pathway and an individual mobility safe harbor; board members discussed implementation timing and guidance for universities.
Members of the Consumer Protection Department board voted unanimously to send a written statement supporting proposed amendments to CPA licensure language being advanced by the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) and the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA).
Tim (NASBA representative) summarized the exposure-draft changes and said the revised language reintroduces “the additional pathway” to licensure and supports “individual based mobility” between states, and that the re-exposure of the UAA on March 4 “heard what the stakeholders were asking for.” Bonnie (staff member) said the bill’s language has been modified to include a safe-harbor provision and that NASBA requested an eligibility condition that licensees hold their license in good standing and have passed the CPA exam by Sept. 30, 2025; she said the change will appear in the next amendment.
The board’s discussion focused on whether to take an additional formal step at this meeting. Bud (board member) proposed that the board prepare a short written submission to NASBA stating support for the revised language; another board member seconded. The board voted in favor with four ayes recorded and no opposition. The board did not take any other formal action at this meeting.
Members stressed that final legislative action is not guaranteed until the end of the legislative session. Bonnie noted that “nothing’s done until midnight on the last night of session,” and participants said the chairs could call additional meetings if last-minute changes arise. Board members asked staff to add an item to a future meeting agenda to review questions universities have already begun sending about how the new provisions will work in practice; universities have reportedly been contacting the Connecticut Society and the board about implementation questions.
The proposed UAA edits discussed would: add a competency-based experience pathway (rather than a credit-specific reference), focus licensure eligibility on post-baccalaureate or baccalaureate degrees where applicable, and introduce an individual mobility safe harbor tied to substantial equivalency. Board members and staff said the current Connecticut draft is broadly consistent with NASBA/AICPA guidance but that final text will appear in the forthcoming amendment and must clear the legislature before taking effect. The board’s conversation also noted that the governor’s office and the Legislative Commissioners’ Office reviewed and asked for changes to draft language earlier in the process.
The board asked staff to prepare materials reviewing questions universities and other stakeholders are already raising so the Department of Consumer Protection can provide guidance once the law is final. The board did not set a new vote on the underlying legislative language and said no further board action was required at this time unless substantive changes appear in subsequent amendments.
