Critical Timing for Licensure Discussions in Texas

CEO’s Message

By TXCPA President and CEO Jodi Ann Ray, CAE

With the new year comes a new legislative session in Texas! In the 89th Texas Legislative Session, TXCPA is advocating for important developments that directly impact your profession and the future of the CPA pipeline in Texas.

In November, on the first day for bill pre-filing, Senator Charles Perry, CPA-South Plains, filed Senate Bill 262 (SB 262). On January 8, Rep. Angie Chen Button filed House Bill 1757 (HB 1757). These bills propose a new pathway to licensure for CPA candidates, a priority item on TXCPA’s 2025 Legislative Agenda. We are grateful to Senator Perry and Rep. Button for their steadfast support of the profession and for championing key issues that will help address the workforce and pipeline issues raised by many of our members.

Currently, all states require 150 semester hours of education, one year of work experience and the passage of the Uniform CPA Exam for CPA licensure. While these requirements will remain in place for candidates, SB 262 and HB 1757 introduce a new alternative pathway to licensure.

The new pathway would allow candidates to earn a baccalaureate degree with the required accounting and business concentration, complete two years of work experience (with specific rules to be defined by the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy) and pass the Uniform CPA Exam. TXCPA is advocating for a January 1, 2027, effective date to allow ample time for proper implementation.

In addition to SB 262, Sen. Perry introduced SB 522 that addresses CPA mobility. This legislation aims to create minimum standards for out-of-state CPAs who wish to practice in Texas, ensuring a smoother transition and reducing disruptions to the mobility of CPAs as the licensure landscape evolves across the country.

With many states working on similar legislation, 2025 promises to be an exciting and pivotal year for the profession. We encourage you to stay engaged with us as the session progresses. You can read more in the Government Affairs Update article in this Today’s CPA issue and stay informed on the latest developments through TXCPA member communications and our Legislative Action Center on the website. Your involvement and support will be crucial as we work to shape the future of our profession.

We hope you will consider joining us as we advocate for these and other issues that impact the profession at the state capitol during our Advocacy Day program on January 28.  For more information, visit our website.

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