Accountancy.

Existing law provides for the licensure and regulation of accountants by the California Board of Accountancy in the Department of Consumer Affairs. Existing law prohibits a person from engaging in the practice of public accountancy in this state unless he or she holds either a valid permit issued by the board or a practice privilege, as specified. A violation of this provision is a crime. Existing law requires the board to amend a specified regulation to extend from December 31, 2007, to December 31, 2010, a safe harbor pertaining to practicing accountancy without a practice privilege for up to 5 days prior to submitting a notification form to the board, as specified. This bill would repeal the provision applicable to that regulation and instead set forth a 5-day safe harbor for a person practicing accountancy under a practice privilege, subject to specified requirements. The bill would authorize the board to fine an individual who notifies the board of his or her practice more than 5 days after beginning practice within the state. The bill also would exempt from the requirement to obtain a permit or secure a practice privilege an individual holding a valid and current license, certificate, or permit to practice public accountancy from another state if specified conditions are satisfied. This bill would declare that it is to take effect immediately as an urgency statute.