During the first half of the 2025-26 legislative session, SCACPA championed Senate Bill 176 to update Title 40 Chapter 2. This legislation strengthens the profession, enhances public trust, and keeps South Carolina competitive. Your SCACPA membership is vital to the success of our advocacy efforts. Thank you for your support. Also, thank you to the members of our Government Affairs Committee and the Legislator Connections Community. The efforts of these volunteers played a significant role in moving this legislation quickly. Also, thank you to Senator Wes Climer for sponsoring the bill.
What Is Senate Bill 176 (S. 176) About?
S. 176 updates Title 40, Chapter 2 to address workforce development, enhance public protection, and modernize outdated language while maintaining high professional standards. This bill is simple and necessary—it removes unnecessary licensing barriers to grow the CPA workforce, ensures that all CPAs serving South Carolina clients fall under the SC Board of Accountancy’s jurisdiction, and corrects minor errors in existing law.
We’ve worked closely with national and state partners, the South Carolina Board of Accountancy, educators, and local firms to craft a bill that balances progress with public trust. This legislation reflects those collaborative efforts, and we urge your support.
Key Provisions and Benefits
Workforce Development: Strengthening the CPA Pipeline
- The bill introduces additional licensure pathways:
• Master’s degree (or a Bachelor’s with 150 total hours) + 1 year of experience OR
• Bachelor’s degree + 2 years of experience.
• The language specifies degrees earned instead of hours obtained. - Extended CPA Exam Window: Candidates would have 36 months (up from 18) to complete the CPA Exam.
- Future-proofing the Profession: Allows future regulatory flexibility for evolving industry needs.
Why It Matters: These changes help attract and retain talent while maintaining rigorous professional standards.
Public Protection: Prioritizing Public Interest
Out-of-State CPA Practice: CPAs with a primary business location outside South Carolina can practice here while remaining under the jurisdiction of the State Board of Accountancy.
Why It Matters: This update ensures that out-of-state CPAs serving South Carolina clients do so under the mobility practice of “no fee, no registration, no escape.” This ensures that CPAs, regardless of how or where they obtain their license, serve clients in South Carolina under the jurisdiction of the State Board of Accountancy.
Modernized Definitions: Aligning with Current Practices
- Updated ‘Attest’ Definition: Explicitly includes SAS, SSARS, SSAE, and PCAOB Auditing Standards.
- Refined ‘Practice of Accounting’ Definition: Acknowledges digital and electronic file usage.
Why It Matters: This language provides clarity and keeps state statutes aligned with modern industry standards.
Strengthening the Board of Accountancy (BOA)
- Legislative Input: The South Carolina Board of Accountancy gains the ability to provide recommendations on statutory updates.
- Expanded Investigator Pool: Removes South Carolina-specific licensure requirement for investigators, allowing for highly qualified professionals from any jurisdiction.
Why It Matters: Enhances oversight and ensures the Board of Accountancy can effectively regulate the profession.
Stay informed and engaged at sc.cpa/advocacy.
