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ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Sixth Legislature, First Regular Session
state board of accountancy; continuation
Purpose
Continues the Arizona State Board of Accountancy (Board) for eight years.
Background
The Board protects the public from unlawful, incompetent, unqualified or unprofessional certified public accountants (CPAs) through certification, regulation and rehabilitation. The Board also investigates complaints, establishes reporting requirements and adopts procedures for disciplinary actions (A.R.S. § 32-703). A CPA is any individual who has been issued a certificate of authority by the Board to practice as a CPA or who meets the limited reciprocity privilege requirements (A.R.S. § 32-701).
The seven-member Board consists of: 1) five members who currently hold valid certificates, at least three of whom are in active public practice as CPAs and no more than one of these members may be from the same firm; and 2) two public members who do not have a certificate but have professional or practical experience in using accounting services and financial statements. If a member's certificate is on probation, revoked or suspended, the member's appointment automatically terminates and the position becomes vacant (A.R.S. § 32-702).
The Senate Commerce and House Commerce Joint Committee of Reference (COR) met on January 10, 2023, to conduct a review of the Board. The COR recommended the Board be continued for eight years (COR Report). The Board is set to terminate on July 1, 2023, unless legislation is enacted for its continuation (A.R.S. § 41-3023.02).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation.
Provisions
1. Continues, retroactive to July 1, 2023, the Board until July 1, 2031.
2. Repeals the Board on January 1, 2032.
3. Contains a purpose statement.
4. Becomes effective on the general effective date, with a retroactive provision as noted.
House Action
COM 1/17/23 DP 10-0-0-0
3rd Read 2/21/23 50-10-0
Prepared by Senate Research
March 6, 2023
JT/PM/sr