HARRISBURG – Senator Scott Hutchinson (R-21) today announced that his legislation to strengthen Pennsylvania’s accounting profession and address the growing shortage of certified public accountants (CPAs) has officially been signed into law as Act 27 of 2025.
Senate Bill 719 passed unanimously in the House of Representatives on June 26 following a unanimous vote in the Senate and was signed by Governor Shapiro on June 30.
“This legislation represents a critical step forward for Pennsylvania’s workforce and economy,” said Senator Hutchinson. “With fewer individuals entering the accounting profession and a significant portion of CPAs nearing retirement age, our state was in urgent need of reform. I’m proud that Act 27 will help reverse that trend by modernizing licensure requirements while maintaining the integrity and rigor of the profession.”
Act 27 provides an alternative pathway to CPA licensure by allowing candidates to qualify with 120 credit hours of education and two years of professional experience, rather than the current 150-credit-hour requirement and one year of experience. Candidates must still pass the CPA exam to be licensed. The new pathway is designed to reduce financial and time burdens on aspiring accountants without compromising professional standards.
The law also improves license mobility for out-of-state accountants, streamlining the process for qualified professionals to practice in Pennsylvania without obtaining a separate state certificate or permit.
“Act 27 lowers barriers to entry while preserving high standards, which is exactly what we need to attract new talent into the field,” Hutchinson added. “This is about investing in Pennsylvania’s future – in our businesses, schools, governments, and communities that rely on trusted financial professionals.”
Senator Hutchinson expressed gratitude to his legislative colleagues and stakeholders across the accounting profession for their support and collaboration in advancing the bill. He specifically thanked Senator Nick Pisciottano, a CPA and Minority Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, as well as the professionals at the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA).
“The PICPA is very pleased that the General Assembly acted swiftly and unanimously on this critical legislation,” said Jennifer Cryder, CPA, CEO of PICPA. “Act 27 is essential to maintaining a strong, modern CPA profession in Pennsylvania. On behalf of the PICPA and nearly 29,000 licensed CPAs across the Commonwealth, we extend our sincere thanks to Senators Scott Hutchinson and Nick Pisciottano for their leadership and steadfast support throughout this process. Their commitment was instrumental in advancing this important bill.”
For more information on Act 27 of 2025, visit SenatorScottHutchinson.com.
CONTACT: Justin Leventry