HARRISBURG – Sen. Scott Hutchinson,R-21, chairman of the Senate Finance Committee and prime sponsor of Senate Bill 719, announced the successful passage of the legislation in the Pennsylvania Senate, marking a critical step toward addressing the commonwealth’s certified public accountant (CPA) shortage.

The bill, co-sponsored by Sen. Nick Pisciottano, minority chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, passed with broad bipartisan support and now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration.

“The accounting profession plays a crucial role in providing essential services to the public and fostering trust in business for investment purposes,” Hutchinson said. “Despite a growing demand for certified public accountants in Pennsylvania, demographic trends indicate a concerning shortage of CPAs in the state. Senate Bill 719 represents a positive step toward addressing this issue. By offering CPA candidates an additional pathway to complete their licensure and improving mobility for out-of-state CPAs, Pennsylvania is positioned to increase membership in the profession.”

Under current law, CPA candidates must complete 150 credit hours of education, including a required accounting concentration, gain one year of professional experience and pass the Uniform CPA Exam. Senate Bill 719 preserves this existing path while establishing an additional, equally rigorous option: 120 credit hours of education, two years of professional experience and passage of the CPA exam. This alternative pathway reduces time and financial barriers for aspiring accountants, making the profession more accessible to a broader range of candidates.

The bill also enhances interstate mobility by simplifying the process for out-of-state CPAs to practice in Pennsylvania, provided they meet licensure requirements in their home states. This provision supports a more seamless national practice model, enabling CPAs to better serve businesses, nonprofits and government agencies across state lines.

“The number of CPA candidates and accounting graduates has been declining nationwide, and Pennsylvania is no exception,” Hutchinson noted. “At a time when half of our state’s CPAs are over the age of 50 and demand for accounting services continues to rise, we must make the profession more appealing and accessible to the next generation. Senate Bill 719 achieves that goal without compromising the integrity and standards of the profession.”

The Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA), which represents more than 29,000 licensed CPAs across the commonwealth, expressed strong support for the bill, calling it a “modernization” of licensure that “enhances flexibility, affordability and accessibility” while maintaining consumer protection.  It also has support of the Pennsylvania Society of Tax and Accounting Professionals.

With Senate approval secured, Senate Bill 719 now advances to the House of Representatives.