Early Legislative Win: Provisions Threatening State Board of Accountancy Oversight Removed from HB 5222

Earlier this session, we alerted members to concerns about Sections 1 and 2 of HB 5222. Introduced as part of the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) clean-up bill, these sections would have significantly changed how CPA regulation is enforced in Connecticut by allowing DCP to independently exercise enforcement powers in CPA matters.

Currently, the Connecticut State Board of Accountancy – a body that includes licensed CPAs with deep technical expertise – has the authority to determine whether professional standards have been violated and what discipline is appropriate. DCP conducts investigations, but the Board provides the expert oversight necessary for a highly technical profession.

Sections 1 and 2 of the bill would have allowed DCP to conduct hearings, issue cease-and-desist orders, seek court action, and impose civil penalties of up to $50,000 in CPA matters without any requirement to notify the Board, consult the Board, or follow the Board’s determinations. Over time, this change could have sidelined the Board and weakened the expert oversight that protects both the profession and the public.

At our request, CTCPA CEO Bonnie Stewart and State Board of Accountancy Chair Timothy Egan met with DCP leadership, including the Deputy Commissioner Jeffrey Marvin, to discuss these concerns and the potential impact on CPA regulation.

We are pleased to report that DCP leadership has removed Sections 1 and 2 from HB 5222.

This is excellent news for the profession and an early legislative victory this session. Removing these provisions preserves the State Board of Accountancy’s critical role as the expert body responsible for CPA oversight and discipline in Connecticut.

Thank you to the members who engaged on this issue and helped elevate the profession’s concerns. Your advocacy continues to make a meaningful difference in protecting the integrity of CPA regulation.