The Maryland Society of Accounting and Tax Professionals (MSATP) is proud to support Senate Bill 34, proposed legislation that would modernize CPA licensure in Maryland by creating an additional pathway to earning the CPA credential. We are pleased to partner with the Maryland Association of CPAs (MACPA) in advocating for this important step forward for the profession.
As the accounting and tax landscape continues to evolve, Maryland—like many states across the country—is facing a shrinking CPA pipeline alongside increasing demand for qualified professionals. Senate Bill 34 reflects a thoughtful, balanced response to this challenge: one that expands access without compromising professional standards or public trust.
Preserving Standards While Expanding Opportunity
Importantly, Senate Bill 34 does not eliminate or weaken Maryland’s existing CPA licensure requirements. The current pathways remain fully intact, including:
- A master’s degree in accounting, or
- A bachelor’s degree with an accounting concentration plus 30 additional college-level credit hours
Both of these existing options continue to require successful completion of the CPA exam and at least one year of relevant professional experience.
What SB 34 does is add a third, experience-based pathway. Under this option, candidates could qualify for CPA licensure by:
- Completing a bachelor’s degree with an accounting or business concentration
- Passing the CPA exam
- Completing two years of qualifying, supervised professional experience
This pathway recognizes the value of real-world experience and provides an alternative for capable professionals who may be deterred by the cost or time associated with earning additional academic credits beyond a bachelor’s degree.
Advancing DEI Through Fairer Access to the Profession
The traditional 150-hour requirement can create financial and logistical hurdles for many aspiring CPAs. Emerging research suggests that extended educational demands have inadvertently made licensure less accessible to professionals from underrepresented groups, who may already face systemic barriers in education and career progression.
By offering a third pathway centered on professional experience, the bill helps remove one of the structural obstacles that have historically limited entry into the profession. This matters because a more diverse accounting community benefits clients, firms, and the broader business environment — diversity improves problem-solving, strengthens trust, and makes the profession more reflective of the communities we serve.
Why MSATP Supports This Bill
From MSATP’s perspective, Senate Bill 34 addresses several critical needs facing Maryland’s accounting community:
- Expanding the talent pipeline by welcoming diverse educational and career backgrounds
- Reducing financial and structural barriers for students and career changers
- Supporting employers, especially small and mid-sized firms, who are struggling to recruit and retain qualified professionals
- Keeping Maryland competitive as other states adopt similar licensure reforms
By broadening access while maintaining rigorous experience and examination requirements, SB 34 strikes a responsible balance between flexibility and integrity.
A Collaborative Effort for the Profession
MSATP believes strongly that the future of the profession is best shaped through collaboration. Our partnership with MACPA on this legislation reflects a shared commitment to strengthening the CPA pipeline, protecting the public, and ensuring that Maryland remains a welcoming and forward-thinking place to build a career in accounting.
As the 2026 legislative session begins, MSATP will remain actively engaged in advocacy efforts on Senate Bill 34 and other policies affecting tax and accounting professionals across the state.
To follow legislation we’re monitoring, learn where MSATP stands on key issues, and see how you can get involved, visit our advocacy hub.
Track our 2026 Advocacy efforts here:
👉 https://msatp.org/advocating-for-you/