Accountant Reform Bill Becomes Law

Schrage says, “HB 121 reduces the cost of becoming a CPA in Alaska, eliminates the need to take irrelevant coursework, and shortens the time it takes to become a CPA while maintaining professional standards for accountants.”

HB 121 further encourages Outside firms, or out-of-state individuals, to do business in Alaska. Individuals do not need to provide notice or pay any fees to the Alaska Board of Public Accountancy, but they must consent to abide by the board’s jurisdiction and disciplinary authority. Firms that operate in Alaska, even if they lack a physical presence in the state, remain subject to Alaska laws.

Schrage states, “These changes align Alaska with national trends toward greater flexibility in CPA licensure while maintaining professional integrity. Candidates will still be required to pass the Uniform CPA Exam, meet education and professional experience requirements, ensuring competency without imposing unnecessary costs.”

With the enactment of HB 121, work is complete on all thirty-two bills that passed during the first regular session of the 34th Alaska State Legislature. Most became law; eight did not.

Forbidden Reforms

In July, the governor vetoed one of Schrage’s other professional reforms, House Bill 70. It would’ve allowed paramedics to treat injured K9s, such as dogs used in law enforcement, which would otherwise be considered practicing veterinary medicine without a license. The Alaska Veterinary Medical Association opposed the bill, suggesting that it be revised to limit emergency treatment to basic first aid rather than the full scope of care paramedics can do for human patients.

Another veto of professional reform legislation happened last month, when Dunleavy struck down Senate Bill 54. It would allow interior designers to register with the state, enabling them to practice independently without requiring a licensed architect to stamp their plans. The governor stated that the bill did not fully define the profession of interior designer, and he objected to the cost implications of two other sections: one to require residential wastewater projects to be done by licensed engineers and another to eliminate the state’s ability to select contractors based on price.

Because of the timing of the veto, the House and Senate could have an opportunity to override when the next legislative session convenes in January.