January 15, 2025

Government Affairs: Hold on Tight! Big Changes in the Accounting Profession for 2025

By Kenneth Besserman, TXCPA Director of Government Affairs and Special Counsel

The 2025 Texas legislative session is just around the corner. January 14, 2025, will be the start the 89th Session of Texas Legislature. Representatives and Senators will come together to debate some of the biggest issues that Texas has faced in decades.

From continued proposals to further lower property taxes, to the ever-increasing need to find and secure water sources in a fast-growing state, to much-needed infrastructure projects, to the long-simmering debate over school choice, the 89th session will be the center of attraction in Austin and beyond for the next five months.

The 2025 Texas House of Representatives and the Texas Senate will remain in Republican control after the 2024 election. The biggest issue facing the House on opening day will be the election of a Speaker of the House. Speaker Dade Phelan – Speaker since 2021 – is in for a contested election, with at least six declared candidates for Speaker.

The accounting profession is facing some significant licensing issues in 2025 that will have repercussions in Texas and beyond. As the CPA pipeline and the need for talent continues to be a priority for the profession, states, state societies and state boards of accountancy are beginning to develop legislation to address the pipeline issue.

Texas is at the forefront of these discussions and these legislative proposals. As AICPA and NASBA propose exposure drafts on alternative pathways to licensure and mobility, states have seen the need to act in their best interests and timelines, which may not fully synchronize with the timelines of other organizations.

In Texas, Senator Charles Perry, CPA-South Plains, has filed Senate Bill 262 and Rep. Angie Chen Button has filed House Bill 1757, which will create an additional pathway to CPA licensure. This new pathway will require the completion of a baccalaureate degree (with the required accounting concentration), passage of the CPA Exam and two years of work experience to be defined by Board rule. Click here to learn more about the legislation that was filed.

More flexibility in licensing pathways has been one of the hallmarks of the National Pipeline Advisory Group and others that are fostering solutions to the issues related to the CPA pipeline.

While educational pathways are discussed, the issue of mobility and out-of-state practice privileges become more important than ever. All agree that current licensees should continue to have mobility even as the national fabric of mobility and licensing may change.

TXCPA will be supporting and advocating for legislation in 2025 that will continue and provide for ease and uniformity of mobility. On December 2, Senator Perry filed Senate Bill 522 that addresses CPA practice mobility and out-of-state practice privileges. Click here to learn more about the legislation that was filed.

TXCPA and the TXCPA Political Action Committee have had many good conversations with legislators during this past year, and we look forward to talking to legislators about our specific legislation in the months to come. TXCPA and its Key Persons and advocates will be spending a lot of time at the Capitol in 2025. Please see our 2025 Legislative Agenda below. Reach out to Kenneth Besserman and the TXCPA team if you want to become involved.

About the Author: Kenneth Besserman is TXCPA's Director of Government Affairs and Special Counsel. Contact him at kbesserman@tx.cpa.

 

TXCPA's 2025 Legislative Agenda

TXCPA’s advocacy efforts for the accounting profession ramp up during each legislative session. On November 7, 2024, the TXCPA Board of Directors approved the following 2025 Legislative Agenda. For more details, click here. We encourage all members to join in advocating for these important issues.

  • Additional Pathway to Licensure;
  • Mobility for Existing and Future CPAs;
  • Public Information Act Amendment;
  • Evergreen TXCPA Advocacy Items, including:
    • Prevent Any Proposed Sales Tax on Professional Services;
    • Ensure Proper Regulatory Oversight of the CPA License; and
    • Monitoring Proposed Tax Legislation

 

Thanks to the Sponsors of Today's CPA Magazine

This content was made possible by the sponsors of this issue of Today's CPA Magazine:

Accounting Biz Brokers

Accounting Practice Sales

Capstan

CPA Charge

efile4Biz

Goodman Financial

Poe Group Advisors

 

 

 

  • Building the CPA Pipeline: A Faculty Perspective

    The CPA profession faces a shrinking pipeline, with fewer candidates entering the field even as demand grows. Faculty research highlights strategies to boost Exam success to better equip students, especially first-generation and future candidates under Texas’ new additional licensure pathway. Strengthening these supports is key to preparing the next generation of CPAs and securing the profession’s future.
    View Article
  • CPE: Joint Ventures and Equity Method Accounting

    Joint ventures enable organizations to combine resources under shared control to achieve strategic objectives, yet their accounting treatment has often posed challenges. To address this, FASB issued ASU 2023-05. This article examines the new guidance and its implications for equity method accounting.
    View Article
  • From Pipeline to Mobility: TXCPA Champions Two Major Wins for the Accounting Profession

    TXCPA achieved two landmark victories at the 89th Texas Legislature: an additional CPA licensure pathway for candidates and a modernized mobility law that strengthens practice standards in Texas. These wins not only expand opportunities for future CPAs but also set a precedent for other states, reinforcing TXCPA’s role as a leading advocate for the profession’s future.
    View Article
  • Finding Community and Purpose: Mariella Bosquez’s Journey in Accounting and TXCPA Houston

    Mariella Bosquez’s path to accounting was anything but traditional, but through TXCPA Houston she found both community and purpose. From psychology major to active student leader, her story shows how diverse backgrounds, mentorship and involvement can open doors and inspire the next generation of CPAs.
    View Article
  • Saved by the Byrd Rule: PCAOB Survives the One Big, Beautiful Bill

    Lawmakers looked to eliminate the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) by folding its duties into the SEC, but the effort was blocked under Senate budget rules. Supporters argued the move would save money, while critics warned it would weaken audit oversight and investor protection. For now, PCAOB remains intact.
    View Article
  • TXCPA’s 2024-2025 Outstanding Chapter Awards Recognize Leadership, Service and Impact

    TXCPA’s Outstanding Chapter Awards celebrate small and medium-sized chapters that go above and beyond in leadership, service and community impact. This year, the San Angelo, East Texas and Rio Grande Valley chapters were recognized. Together, their achievements highlight the dedication and creativity shaping the profession.
    View Article
  • Your Old Plan vs. a Better Plan: How Accounting Firms Can Attract More CAS Clients

    Many firms still rely on outdated, exhausting methods like cold calls, referrals and random networking to win CAS clients - but those days are over. By embracing SEO, accounting firms can attract a steady stream of qualified, high-value clients who are already searching for their services, resulting in more revenue, stronger client relationships and the freedom to focus on delivering value.
    View Article
  • What’s Happening Around Texas - September-October 2025

    From networking luncheons and campus connections to hospital tours and a gathering at the Rusty Axe Brewing Co., members in Brazos Valley, Dallas, East Texas, and El Paso came together in a variety of ways. Professionals and students are finding community, inspiration, camaraderie, and fresh opportunities while chapters are setting bold visions for growth.
    View Article
  • Celebrating Our 2025-2026 TXCPA Faculty and Student Ambassadors!

    Through our Ambassador Program, TXCPA works with Texas educators and students each year to share resources and engage the next generation of CPAs, building connections on campuses across the state. TXCPA Ambassadors help us strengthen our presence and learn more about what we can do to help build and support the CPA pipeline.
    View Article
  • Stronger Together: Empowering the Next Generation

    The September/October issue of TXCPA’s magazine shines a spotlight on building the CPA pipeline and supporting future professionals. The issue is packed with ways to grow and stay connected. Most importantly, it’s a reminder that the future of our profession is built together - with your passion, time and voice.
    View Article
  • TXCPA Pipeline Resources at a Glance

    TXCPA’s Pipeline Resources offer something for everyone in the accounting pipeline — students, candidates, educators, and employers. Whether you’re exploring the field, teaching it or hiring talent, TXCPA connects you to the tools, people and opportunities that make an impact.
    View Article
  • The Statement of GreenHouse Gas Emissions

    Global standards for climate disclosure are rapidly evolving and companies are under pressure to measure and report indirect emissions across their value chains. A proposed Statement of GreenHouse Gas Emissions could give investors and stakeholders clearer, more comparable insights into corporate sustainability performance.
    View Article
  • 110 Years Strong: TXCPA Returns to Its Roots at the Tremont House

    TXCPA marked its 110th anniversary by returning to the historic Tremont House, celebrating a legacy of leadership while setting bold goals for the future. From legislative victories and a new tiered membership model to expanded student outreach and the launch of AcctoFi, the organization is driving transformation across advocacy, education and member engagement.
    View Article
  • Take Note

    In this edition of Take Note: Insurance Benefits Tailored for TXCPA Members; Enhancing Your Social Wellness; Stand Out as a Leader with the CGMA® Designation; TXCPA’s Career Center; Your Next Learning Opportunity
    View Article
  • Classifieds

    The classified ad section features listings for practice sales, firm buyers and specialized services. Whether you're expanding, selling or exploring niche opportunities, these ads connect you to valuable prospects and resources.
    View Article

CHAIR
Mohan Kuruvilla, Ph.D., CPA

PRESIDENT/CEO
Jodi Ann Ray, CAE, CCE, IOM

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
Melinda Bentley, CAE

EDITORIAL BOARD CHAIR
Jennifer Johnson, CPA

MANAGER, MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS
Peggy Foley
pfoley@tx.cpa

MANAGING EDITOR
DeLynn Deakins
ddeakins@tx.cpa

COLUMN EDITOR
Don Carpenter, MSAcc/CPA

DIGITAL MARKETING SPECIALIST
Wayne Hardin, CDMP, PCM®

CLASSIFIEDS
DeLynn Deakins

Texas Society of CPAs
14131 Midway Rd., Suite 850
Addison, TX 75001
972-687-8550
ddeakins@tx.cpa

 

Editorial Board
Derrick Bonyuet-Lee, CPA-Austin;
Aaron Borden, CPA-Dallas;
Don Carpenter, CPA-Central Texas;
Rhonda Fronk, CPA-Houston;
Aaron Harris, CPA-Dallas;
Baria Jaroudi, CPA-Houston;
Elle Kathryn Johnson, CPA-Houston;
Jennifer Johnson, CPA-Dallas;
Lucas LaChance, CPA-Dallas, CIA;
Nicholas Larson, CPA-Fort Worth;
Anne-Marie Lelkes, CPA-Corpus Christi;
Bryan Morgan, Jr, CPA-Austin;
Stephanie Morgan, CPA-East Texas;
Kamala Raghavan, CPA-Houston;
Amber Louise Rourke, CPA-Brazos Valley;
Shilpa Boggram Sathyamurthy, CPA-Houston, CA
Nikki Lee Shoemaker, CPA-East Texas, CGMA;
Natasha Winn, CPA-Houston.

CONTRIBUTORS
Melinda Bentley; Kenneth Besserman; Kristie Estrada; Holly McCauley; Craig Nauta; Kari Owen; John Ross; Lani Shepherd; April Twaddle; Patty Wyatt