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DC committee hears bill to add a new pathway for CPA licensure
Summary
The Committee on Public Works and Operations held a March 26 hearing on the Accountancy Practice Amendment Act of 2025, which would adopt 2025 Uniform Accountancy Act changes to add a 3rd pathway to CPA licensure and modernize mobility between states; professional and government witnesses urged passage and answered questions about standards and administration.
The Committee on Public Works and Operations met on March 26 to consider the Accountancy Practice Amendment Act of 2025 (referenced in the hearing as B24-494/B26-494). Chair Ward 1 Council Member Brianne Nadeau opened the hearing and described the bill as aligning the District’s licensure rules with the 2025 edition of the Uniform Accountancy Act to add a new education-and-experience pathway and update mobility standards.
Professional and government witnesses told the committee the changes are intended to address a national shortage of accountants and reduce time and cost barriers for entry. April Randle, Legislative Director at the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection, said the amendments would give the District an alternative licensure route and allow the mayor to adopt future UAA amendments by rulemaking while preserving public notice-and-comment. "Here, if you're licensed and in good standing in another state, that's easily verifiable," Randle said, arguing the change would reduce administrative burdens.
Witnesses also addressed whether the Board of Accountancy would retain disciplinary authority over licensees who use the new pathway. Randle confirmed the board's authority remains unchanged, saying a shift from a state-level "substantial equivalency" test to an individual-based standard "would not weaken, undermine, or have an adverse impact on the board's disciplinary authority."
The committee heard unanimous support in testimony but recorded no formal vote at the March 26 hearing. Chair Nadeau closed the record and set a deadline for written testimony for April 9 at 5:30 p.m. before adjourning the session.
