Utah Legislature Unanimously Passes Accountancy Bill to Broaden Licensure Pathways

In a unanimous vote, Utah’s legislature passed a groundbreaking accountancy bill, modernizing licensure requirements and expanding pathways for aspiring CPAs. The bill received full support, with all votes in favor and none in opposition. The newly passed legislation broadens access to CPA licensure by establishing a clear and practical route: candidates can now qualify with a bachelor’s degree, two years of professional experience, and successful completion of the CPA exam. By removing outdated statutory references to 150 and 120 credit-hour requirements and eliminating NQAS from the statute, this bill simplifies the process and aligns licensure with the evolving needs of the profession. “This is a major step forward for the accounting profession,” said the UACPA’s CEO Susan Speirs, CPA. “By modernizing the licensure pathway, we are making the profession more accessible while maintaining the highest standards of competency and integrity.” The bill also includes updated language to reflect current industry practices, ensuring clarity and consistency within the regulatory framework. These changes position Utah as a leader in advancing accounting standards while addressing workforce shortages and expanding opportunities for aspiring professionals. The bill is scheduled to be signed by Gov. Cox and will go into effect July 1, 2026.