Minnesota pathways licensure bill becomes law
May 20, 2025 | Geno Fragnito
Update: On May 23, 2025, Gov. Tim Walz signed the bill.
Better late than never.
Late Monday night, Minnesota’s bill to create
additional pathways to CPA licensure was passed with bipartisan support as part of the State Government Conference Committee’s
omnibus bill, Senate File 3045. The Legislature had to adjourn by 7 a.m. Tuesday.
Specifically, the bill:
- Creates two new pathways to CPA licensure.
- A bachelor’s degree plus two years of experience.
- A master’s degree plus one year of experience.
- These new pathways are effective Jan. 1, 2026.
- Sunsets the current 150-hour credit rule after June 30, 2030.
- Creates automatic mobility/practice privileges one day following bill ratification.
All CPA candidates must still pass all parts of the CPA Exam to earn licensure.
Read the pathways bill language starting at line 90.1 of the omnibus bill
What’s next?
Though approved by the Minnesota Legislature, Gov. Tim Walz must sign the bill to become law and is expected to do soon. Generally, the governor has 14 days to act on the presented bill. After that, without action, the bill becomes law.
Minnesota joins more than a dozen states that have already passed changes to
licensure and/or
mobility. Many more are presently working toward changes, with some states indicating changes in future years.
Continue to track the national momentum on our
tracking page.
You did this
MNCPA members were the spark that started the pathways discussion.
After years of discussion, the MNCPA board, in December 2022,
voted to move ahead as the first state to propose licensing changes to address talent pipeline challenges. Initial strong opposition eventually turned into support as more professionals, state societies, universities, government entities and businesses rallied behind broadening pathways to CPA licensure with the first state, Ohio, passing its law in January.
This is a fitting example of the critical importance of member voices steering professional conversations.
It goes without saying: Thank you!
Learn more about this CPA pathways initiative
Do you want to learn more about this effort? You can keep up with the evolving conversation by visiting the MNCPA’s webpage about the broadening pathways to CPA licensure initiative.
VISIT CPA PATHWAYS PAGE
Topics: Legislative & Government Affairs, Professional Certification
Geno Fragnito
Geno Fragnito is the MNCPA government relations director, advocating on behalf of the CPA profession. His days consist of last-minute meeting changes, building relationships with lawmakers, helping CPAs navigate state government, and putting in more than 15,000 steps per day walking the halls of the Capitol. Geno unwinds with a little golf and traveling with his family. If he weren’t a lobbyist, Geno would perfect his cast and be a professional fisherman. Geno can be reached at 952-885-5550 or [email protected].
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