Alaska2026Passed Legislature
HB121
Changes to Accounting Education and Rules for Out-of-State Firms
Last scannedSep 22, 2026, 12:32 AM
In one sentence
This law lowers the college education requirement for new accountants in Alaska, creates a 'practice privilege' allowing out-of-state individuals and firms to work here without an office or permit fees, and updates rules regarding private professional conservators.
What it does
- Removes the rule requiring accounting applicants to complete at least 150 semester hours of college study; now only a baccalaureate degree is required.
- Allows individuals licensed in other states to work as accountants in Alaska under 'practice privileges' if their home state has similar or equivalent education and experience rules.
- Creates new rules allowing out-of-state firms owned by certified public accountants to offer services without having an office in the state.
- Removes requirements for individuals or firms with practice privileges to pay fees, submit documentation, or provide notice to the board before working.
- Requires those using practice privileges to agree to follow Alaska laws and accept oversight from the Board of Accountancy.
- Amends Rule 17(e) of the Alaska Rules of Probate Procedure regarding private professional conservators.
Who it affects
- People applying for accounting licenses in Alaska
- Accounting firms based outside of Alaska that want to work with clients here
- Individuals licensed as accountants in other states who wish to practice in Alaska
- The state Board of Accountancy
Limits and unknowns
- The bill mentions amending rules for private professional conservators but does not explain the specific changes in this text.
- Specific fees for new permits or licenses are set by a separate department rule, though fees for practice privileges were removed.
Plain language
Terms to know
- Practice privilege
- A rule that lets an accountant or firm licensed in another state work in Alaska without getting a full new license, paying fees, or having an office here.
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
- An individual who has passed specific exams and met education requirements to practice public accounting.
Official record
Sources
Read the official summary
ACCOUNTING; PRIVATE PRO. CONSERVATORS An Act relating to the practice of accounting; relating to private professional conservators; amending Rule 17(e), Alaska Rules of Probate Procedure; and providing for an effective date.
Official activity
Bill history
- (H) EFFECTIVE DATE(S) OF LAW SEE CHAPTER1392
- (H) LAW W/O GOV SIGNATURE 7/23 CHAPTER 22 SLA 251392
- (H) MANIFEST ERROR(S)1373
- (H) 11:45 A.M. 6/30/25 TRANSMITTED TO GOVERNOR1373
- (H) EFFECTIVE DATE(S) SAME AS PASSAGE1346
- (H) COURT RULE(S) SAME AS PASSAGE1346
- (H) CONCUR AM OF (S) Y401346
- (H) TITLE CHANGE: SCR 61346
- (H) CONCUR MESSAGE TAKEN UP1345
- (H) CONCUR MESSAGE READ AND HELD1337
- (S) VERSION: SCS HB 121(STA)1356
- (S) TRANSMITTED TO (H) AS AMENDED1356
- (S) EFFECTIVE DATE(S) SAME AS PASSAGE1346
- (S) COURT RULE(S) SAME AS PASSAGE1346
- (S) PASSED Y20 N-1346
- (S) READ THE THIRD TIME SCS HB 121(STA)1345
- (S) CROSS SPONSOR(S): MYERS, KAWASAKI, CLAMAN1327
- (S) ADVANCED TO THIRD READING 5/19 CAL1321
- (S) STA SCS ADOPTED UC1321
- (S) READ THE SECOND TIME1321