CBA enforcement committee approves revised petition overview and form for CPA reinstatement and penalty reduction

The Enforcement Program Oversight Committee of the California Board of Accountancy on May 15 approved revisions to the board’s petition process overview and the petition form used by individuals seeking reinstatement of a CPA certificate or a reduction of penalty under Business and Professions Code section 5115.

Shauna Palacios, enforcement manager for the compliance unit, told the committee staff reviewed petition materials and proposed multiple clarifications and format changes, including making the petition form a fillable PDF. “The purpose of this item is to provide members an opportunity to review and modify information that is provided to individuals who petition for reinstatement of CPA certificate or reduction of penalty pursuant to Business and Professions Code section 5115,” Palacios said.

The revisions rename the document from "CBA petition hearings" to "CBA overview of the petition process," and state the board’s expectation that petitioners appear in person at hearings. Staff removed a question on the form asking whether the petitioner had published literature, added a petition contact email address, and updated guidance on letters of recommendation to say they are not required but are "strongly encouraged," must be recent and dated if submitted, and may be personal or professional references. Staff also added a typical decision timeframe of 60 to 90 days for petition hearing decisions and updated examples of petition hearings webcast from late 2023 to mid‑2024.

Committee members asked whether petitioners may appear remotely; staff described prior use of Webex during the pandemic but said the board has generally determined in‑person appearances are in the petitioner’s best interest and that written‑only petitions are handled on a case‑by‑case basis in coordination with the Attorney General’s office. Legal counsel noted that staff and the board have, in limited circumstances, accepted written submissions in lieu of an appearance.

A committee member moved to approve the revised overview and form; the motion was seconded and carried. The vote was recorded as yes from all six members present, with no abstentions.

The committee adjourned after the vote. The revised overview and the fillable petition form will be used in future petition processing and will be available to licensees and petitioners as updated guidance.