Maryland HB657: Certified Public Accountants - Licensure - Qualifications

What the bill says

A bill ENTITLED AN ACT concerning Certified Public Accountants - Licensure - Qualifications FOR the purpose of altering certain educational and experiential qualifications for a license to practice certified public accountancy; and generally relating to licensure qualifications for certified public accountants. BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments, Article - Business Occupations and Professions Section 2-302 and 2-303 Annotated Code of Maryland (2018 Replacement Volume and 2025 Supplement).

From the introduced text, January 30, 2026:

A BILL ENTITLED AN ACT concerning Certified Public Accountants - Licensure - Qualifications FOR the purpose of altering certain educational and experiential qualifications for a license to practice certified public accountancy; and generally relating to licensure qualifications for certified public accountants. BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments, Article - Business Occupations and Professions Section 2-302 and 2-303 Annotated Code of Maryland (2018 Replacement Volume and 2025 Supplement) SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF MARYLAND, That the Laws of Maryland read as follows: Article - Business Occupations and Professions 2-302. (a) To qualify for a license, an applicant shall be an individual who meets the requirements of this section. (b) The applicant shall be of good character and reputation. (c) The applicant shall be at least 18 years old. (d) The applicant shall meet the educational requirements under § 2-303 of this subtitle. (e) Except as otherwise provided in this subtitle, the applicant shall pass an examination given by the Board under this subtitle. EXPLANATION: CAPITALS INDICATE MATTER ADDED TO EXISTING LAW. [Brackets] indicate matter deleted from exist in g l aw . *hb0657* HOUSE BILL (f) The applicant for an initial license shall complete practical work experience that is approved by the Board and that: (1) is obtained over a period and (ii) [1. not less …

Read the full official text

Sponsors

• Joshua Stonko (R, HD-042) · primary sponsor
• Mark Chang (D, HD-032)
• Jim Hinebaugh (R, HD-001)

Latest actions

1. February 17, 2026: Withdrawn by Sponsor
2. February 12, 2026: Hearing canceled
3. February 3, 2026: Hearing 2/18 at 1:00 p.m.
4. January 30, 2026: First Reading Economic Matters

Common questions

What is HB657?

HB657 is a bill in the Maryland Legislature (2026 Regular Session): Certified Public Accountants - Licensure - Qualifications.

What does HB657 do?

In its own words: A bill ENTITLED AN ACT concerning Certified Public Accountants - Licensure - Qualifications FOR the purpose of altering certain educational and experiential qualifications for a license to practice certified public accountancy; and generally relating to licensure qualifications for certified public accountants. BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments, Article - Business Occupations and Professions Section 2-302 and 2-303 Annotated Code of Maryland (2018 Replacement Volume and 2025 Supplement).

What is the status of HB657?

Failed as of February 17, 2026. Latest action: Withdrawn by Sponsor (February 17, 2026).

Who sponsored HB657?

Joshua Stonko (R, HD-042), with 2 co-sponsors.

Where is the official record for HB657?

On the Maryland Legislature website: https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/hb0657?ys=2026RS