BREAKING: Gov. Mike DeWine has signed House Bill 238, which includes an OSCPA-backed amendment ensuring Ohio remains a leader for practicing CPAs across the country. The new law addresses some big challenges the CPA profession is now facing: the #CPAshortage caused by retirements and too few new licensees, and strengthening existing interstate mobility laws to protect current licensees in the future.
Effective in 90 days, qualified CPAs from out-of-state can work in Ohio. This improves existing interstate mobility laws by evaluating candidates on their individual professional status rather than what state they are licensed in. Many states also are working to adopt similar language to Ohio.
Effective January 1, 2026, two pathways to CPA licensure will be available:
o A master’s degree, completing the required accounting concentration of coursework, one year of experience and passing the CPA Exam
o A bachelor’s degree, completing the required accounting concentration of coursework, two years of experience and passing the CPA Exam
We appreciate the support of primary sponsors Rep. Sarah Fowler Arthur (R-Ashtabula) and Rep. Roy Klopfenstein (R-Haviland), as well as the advocacy of Senate Government Oversight and Reform Committee Chair Kristina Roegner (R-Hudson) who was instrumental in getting this bill across the finish line.
"The proposals tackle real challenges head-on," OSCPA President & CEO Scott Wiley, FASAE, CAE said. "Paving the way for a stronger, more diverse CPA workforce while safeguarding the high standards that define Ohio’s CPAs."
