Senate Executive Departments and Administration Committee
Ben Mickens 271-1403
HB 1259, relative to the issuance of certificates as a certified public accountant.
Hearing Date: March 18, 2026
Time Opened: 9:10 a.m. Time Closed: 9:17 a.m.
Members of the Committee Present: Senators Altschiller, Reardon, Pearl and McGough
Members of the Committee Absent : Senator Gannon
Bill Analysis: This bill modifies certain requirements for obtaining a certificate as a certified public accountant and allows for individuals with certificates issued by other states to offer services in New Hampshire subject to certain requirements.
Sponsors:
Rep. Johnson | Rep. Colby | Rep. Muns |
Rep. Vallone | Sen. Reardon |
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Who supports the bill: Senator Tara Reardon, Representative Erik Johnson, Kevin Kennedy (NHSCPA), Robin Houston (NHSCPA), and Cory Stone.
Who opposes the bill: No one.
Who is neutral on the bill: No one.
Summary of testimony presented in support:
Representative Erik Johnson
- Representative Johnson explained that HB 1259 has the majority of SB 571 included in the language.
- Representative Johnson stated that this bill allows people licensed out of the state to be able to practice in New Hampshire under certain circumstances. He added that this would address the shortage of Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) in New Hampshire.
Kevin Kennedy of the New Hampshire Society of CPA's
- Mr. Kennedy explained that this bill is nearly identical to SB 571 that passed the New Hampshire Senate and many states have already passed similar legislation.
- He stated that under current law if a CPA would like to practice in New Hampshire they would have to become relicensed.
- Mr. Kennedy added that there are still guardrails in place for NH licensed CPAs and this bill does not hurt the relevance or importance of their licensure.
- He explained that a that a change has been made at the request of OPLC to repeal the section on foreign licenses as this section has been trumped by more recent law meaning it is now obsolete.
Robin Houston of the New Hampshire Society of CPA's
- Ms. Houston expressed the society’s full support of HB 1259
Summary of testimony presented in opposition: None.
Neutral Information Presented: None.
BM
Date Hearing Report completed: March 20, 2026