California Board to send letter to NASBA over timing and tone of automatic‑mobility communication

The California Board of Accountancy on Nov. 4 authorized the president and executive officer to draft and send a letter to the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) expressing concerns about the method and timing of a recent NASBA communication on automatic mobility.

Staff summarized a Sept. NASBA email titled, according to materials, "shifting to automatic, the hazards of redefining mobility," that was distributed to executive directors and board members nationwide. Staff said the message "came out of nowhere" for some boards and said it created "an unnecessary sense of fear and concern" for jurisdictions that currently have open or automatic mobility.

Executive staff (Fransella) told the board that the email appeared to provide legal advice and, in some places, to advocate against boards’ preferred mobility approaches. President Joe Rosenbaum said he favored addressing the tone and process while keeping the message constructive and focused on rebuilding working relationships with national partners.

Several board members recommended a positive tone and a two‑way conversation; board member Tu moved to authorize a letter drafted by the president in coordination with the executive officer and staff to raise concerns about NASBA’s timing and method and to invite continued collaboration. Katrina Salazar said she preferred a two‑way Zoom conversation over another formal written communication and voted "No." The roll call recorded one "No" and the motion carried.

The vote delegates final drafting and messaging to the president and executive officer and invites staff to pursue a cooperative follow‑up, such as a meeting with NASBA leadership.