Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Business & Financial Services Committee |
HB 1263
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
Brief Description: Exempting certified public accountants from private investigator regulations.
Sponsors: Representatives Stokesbary, Kirby, Vick, Hurst and Buys.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 1/27/15
Staff: David Rubenstein (786-7153).
Background:
The Public Accountancy Act governs the practice of accounting in the state. An accounting firm must be licensed to use the title Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or perform attest or compilation services. It is a prohibited practice for a firm with an office in the state to practice public accounting without a license. The practice of public accounting includes consulting services and preparation of tax returns by a licensee, among other services. The Board of Accountancy governs CPAs.
Private investigators are regulated under a separate chapter. The Department of Licensing issues licenses for private investigators and private security guards. A private investigator is a person employed by a private investigator agency for purposes of investigation, escort or bodyguard services, or property loss prevention activities.
Summary of Bill:
Certified Public Accountants are exempt from regulation as private investigators.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.