Committee tables bill to let accountancy board move licensing details to rulemaking

Chair Margie Wilcox called HB59 before the committee and recognized the bill’s sponsor, who described it as a measure to give the Alabama State Board of Public Accountancy more flexibility.

Carrie (House District 3) told the panel the bill would shift several licensing elements from statute to rule, allow the board to update exam content by rule, add email as an acceptable method of notification to licensees, clarify how non-licensed owners of firms are defined, and include a line intended to update admission requirements to ensure greater diversity. "We're opening up our pipeline to try to get more CPAs in practice," Carrie said.

The sponsor outlined a specific pathway change: candidates could either complete a master’s degree, pass the exam and have one year of experience to receive the CPA title, or alternatively, forgo the master’s and add an additional year of experience. The sponsor contrasted that with prior requirements, noting that earlier standards involved a four-year degree and two years of experience.

Representative Warren moved to table the bill. A second was recorded; the committee answered 'aye' on a voice vote with no opposition called and the chair announced the bill was tabled.

Why it matters: Shifting details from statute to rule would allow the accountancy board faster and more flexible updates to exam content and related licensing practices. Proponents said the change is intended to expand the pipeline into the profession; opponents or public commenters (10 had signed up) were noted but their remarks were not heard before the motion to table.

The committee did not take a roll-call vote on the motion to table; the action was recorded as a voice vote and the bill was tabled. No further action on HB59 was recorded in the transcript.