The New York State Senate, joining the state Assembly, passed the additional licensure pathway bill (A.7613/S.6892) on June 12.  The bill introduced a third option for CPA candidates: 120 credit hours and two years of relevant experience.

The bill also preserves the existing 150-hour/one-year path while offering greater flexibility to students and firms. Additionally, it clarifies cross-state practice rules, allowing CPAs licensed in other states to practice in New York if they meet comparable standards. 

Because of the passage of the bill, students will now have the option to become a CPA with their bachelor’s degree or after earning their master’s degree.

The bill also guarantees continued interstate practice mobility for CPAs by making it clear that as long as out-of-state CPAs are in good standing and have passed the CPA Exam, they may practice in New York state without having a reciprocal license, although they will still be subject to New York’s laws and regulations. The bill passed unanimously in the Assembly and with two negative votes in the Senate.

The legislation now awaits Governor Kathy Hochul's signature for it to become law.

As of  May 30, there are 24 states, including New Mexico and South Carolina, that have either passed legislation allowing the additional pathway or are still moving their versions of the bill through the legislative processes such as California and Massachusetts.

Aside from the pathway bill, on June 9, the Assembly approved the e-signature expansion bill (A249/S52), which allows individuals with Power of Attorney to use electronic signatures on tax documents. The bill, long sought by the Society, passed the Senate earlier this year and addresses a key administrative hurdle for practitioners and clients who were previously required to obtain in-person signatures for certain tax filings. It also awaits Hochul's signature. 

The passage of both bills follows sustained advocacy from the Society, including a coordinated effort during Lobby Day in May that brought nearly 40 members to Albany. NYCPA CEO Calvin Harris Jr. called the dual passage “unprecedented,” noting that moving even a single bill in one session is a significant challenge. 

Both bills now move to the governor’s desk. While NYCPA is optimistic about final approval, advocacy efforts continue. 

“These bills reflect the Society’s ongoing commitment to addressing real-world challenges face by members and to modernizing the profession’s regulatory framework,” Harris said. “They also underscore the impact our members can have when we speak with one voice.”