PLEASE NOTE: Legislative Information cannot perform research, provide legal advice, or interpret Maine law. For legal assistance, please contact a qualified attorney.
An Act To Preserve the Integrity of the Maine Certified Public Accountant Examination
Emergency preamble. Whereas, acts and resolves of the Legislature do not become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and
Whereas,  this legislation needs to take effect before the expiration of the 90-day period in order to strengthen the requirements for taking the certified public accountant examination as soon as possible; and
Whereas,  in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, therefore,
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:
Sec. 1. 32 MRSA §12228, sub-§3, ¶C, as repealed and replaced by PL 2007, c. 695, Pt. A, §37, is amended to read:
 
C. An examination applicant who has successfully completed the basic courses in accounting and auditing required by paragraph B and who expects to complete a minimum 4-year baccalaureate or higher degree required in paragraph B within 120 days following the examination is eligible to take the examination. Grades may not be released, nor may credit for the examination or any part of the examination be given to the applicant unless the degree required in paragraph B is completed within 120 days following the examination or within such time as the board in its sole discretion may determine.
Sec. 2. Application. This Act applies to applications to take the certified public accountant examination made on or after the effective date of this Act. Applicants who sat for any part of the examination prior to the effective date of this Act may continue to sit for any remaining part or parts of the examination prior to successfully completing the basic courses in accounting and auditing required by the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 32, section 12228, subsection 3, paragraph B, so long as all parts of the examination are passed within 18 months of the date the candidate first sat for any section of the examination. Applicants who sat for any part of the examination prior to the effective date of this Act but fail to pass all parts of the examination within 18 months of the date the candidate first sat for any section of the examination must successfully complete the basic courses in accounting and auditing required by Title 32, section 12228, subsection 3, paragraph B before taking any additional parts of the examination.
Emergency clause.  In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this legislation takes effect when approved.
 
SUMMARY
This bill requires that an applicant for the certified public accountant examination must have completed certain accounting and auditing courses in order to be eligible to take the examination.