Req. No. 1265 Page 1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 STATE OF OKLAHOMA 1st Session of the 59th Legislature (2023) SENATE BILL 173 By: Dugger AS INTRODUCED An Act relating to accounting; amending 59 O. S. 2021, Section 15.2, as amended by Section 2, Chapter 26, O.S.L. 2022 (59 O.S. Supp. 2022, Section 15.2), which relates to the Oklahoma Accountancy Board ; extending sunset date; providing an effective date; and declaring an emergency . BE IT ENACTED BY THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF OKLA HOMA: SECTION 1. AMENDATORY 59 O.S. 2021, Section 15.2, as amended by Section 2, Chapter 26, O.S.L. 2022 (59 O.S. Supp. 2022, Section 15.2), is amended to read as follows: Section 15.2. A. There is hereby re -created, to continue until July 1, 2023 July 1, 2028, in accordance with the provisions of the Oklahoma Sunset Law, the Oklahoma Accountancy Board. The Oklahoma Accountancy Board shall have the responsibility for administering and enforcing the Oklahoma Accountancy Act. The Oklahoma Accountancy Board shall be composed of se ven (7) members, who shall have professional or practical experience in the use of accounting services and financial matters, so as to be qualified to make judgments about the qualifications and conduct of persons and firms Req. No. 1265 Page 2 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 subject to regulation under the Oklahoma Accountancy Act to be appointed by the Governor and confirme d by the Senate. The numbe r of registrant members shall not be more than five, not including a firm, who shall serve terms of five (5) years. No member who has served two successive c omplete terms shall be eligible for reappointment, but an appointme nt to fill an unexpired ter m shall not be considered a complete term for this purpose. One public member shall serve coterminously with the Governor appointing the public member. The other public member shall se rve a term of five (5) years. B. Five members shall be certified public accountants holding certificates and four shall hold permits issued pursuant to the provisions of the Oklahoma Accountancy Act, at least four of whom shall have been engaged in the practice of public ac counting as a certified public accountant continuously for not less than five (5) out of the last fifteen (15) years immediately preceding their appointments. A list of qualified persons shall be compiled and submitted to the Governor by the Oklahoma Soci ety of Certified Public Accountants from time to time as appointments of the certified public accountant Board members are required. A list of three names shall be submitted for each single appointment from which the Governor may make the appointment. C. Two members shall be public members who are not certified public accountants. One public member shall be appoi nted by the Req. No. 1265 Page 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Governor to a term coterminou s with the Governor, to serve at his or her pleasure. The other public member shall serve a term of five (5) years and have professional or practical experience in the use of accounting services and financial matters. A list of qualified persons shall be compiled and submitted to the Governor by the Oklahoma Society of Public Accountants, Oklahoma Society of Certified Public Accountants, or successor o rganizations from time to time as appointment of the Board member is required. A list of three (3) names shall be submitted for each single appointment from which the Governor may make the appointment. D. Upon the expiration of the term of office, a member shall continue to serve until a qualified successor has been app ointed. Confirmation by the Senate is required during the next regular session of the Senate for the member to continue to serve. SECTION 2. This act shall become effective July 1, 2023. SECTION 3. It being immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health or safety, an emergency is hereby declared to exist, by reason whereof this act shall take effect and be in full force from and after its passage a nd approval. 59-1-1265 MR 1/5/2023 4:29:35 PM