SB26-076 passes Business, Labor, & Technology Committee with bipartisan backing

We're thrilled to share that Senate Bill 26-076—legislation we've worked on for years—cleared the Business, Labor, & Technology Committee on February 12 with a unanimous, bipartisan vote! This is a major milestone for expanding opportunity for aspiring CPAs while maintaining the rigorous standards that make our profession trusted advisors to Colorado's businesses, governments, and taxpayers, and a demonstration of the success of COCPA’s advocacy and relationship building at the Capitol. 

Why This Legislation Matters Now

The timing could not be more crucial. As so many of you know, the workforce pipeline for our profession is under incredible pressure. Around 75 percent of CPAs have reached retirement age while accounting program enrollments have declined. As our CEO Alicia Gelinas testified: "For several years, our profession has been addressing growing workforce shortages driven by compression of the working age population amid rising demand for CPA services. Our members have identified the talent pipeline as their top concern, with the 150-hour requirement being viewed as a significant barrier to entry."

The impact is real. Tobias Clary, shareholder at Soukup, Bush & Associates in Fort Collins, told the committee: "We are sometimes forced to turn away new clients or discontinue services for existing ones—because we lack the capacity to serve them."

Students consistently cite the cost of 30 additional credit hours ($9,000-$15,000 at public universities, more at private institutions) as making other careers more attractive. For Coloradans outside the larger metro areas, the barriers are even higher. Alexandria Romero, COCPA Chair-Elect and former Pueblo Finance Director, explained: "For students attending CSU-Pueblo, the most accessible options to attain this requirement is taking final coursework online through CSU Global or traveling to Colorado Springs."

What the Bill Does

SB 26-076, sponsored by Sen. William Lindstedt and Sen. Lisa Frizell, creates new pathways while preserving excellence:

• Traditional pathway remains: Bachelor's degree plus 30 credit hours, CPA exam, ethics exam, and one year of work experience
• New work experience pathway: Bachelor's degree plus two years of verified work experience (must meet State Board standards and be verified by a licensed CPA)
• Post-baccalaureate pathway: Master's degree with one year of work experience
• Interstate practice updates: Aligns Colorado with 25+ states, preserving CPA mobility

As Claire Pearson of CliftonLarsonAllen testified: "These changes are not about lowering standards. They are about offering flexibility and strengthening the pipeline into an industry facing workforce pressures."

Every safeguard stays in place—the rigorous Uniform CPA exam, ethics requirements, and work experience verified by licensed CPAs.

What's Next

With unanimous committee approval, SB26-076 moves to the full Senate, where it is on the Consent Calendar for its second reading today, February 16! After years of developing this legislation with stakeholders, we're excited to see it advance.

More than 25 states have already modernized their pathways. This keeps Colorado competitive while addressing one of our members' top concerns. For aspiring CPAs seeking greater flexibility to achieve licensure, this is a game-changer. For firms struggling to meet demand, it promises relief. We're grateful to the sponsors, committee members, and everyone who testified. This legislation strengthens our pipeline, preserves mobility, and keeps Colorado competitive—all while maintaining the high standards that make CPAs trusted partners.

The future is looking bright for Colorado's accounting profession!