District of ColumbiaB26-0730Council Period 26 (2025-2026)HouseWALLET

Business Licensing Reform and Accountancy Practice Emergency Amendment Act of 2026

Sponsored By: Brianne K. Nadeau (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

7 provisions identified: 5 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.

More ways to become licensed accountants

D.C. allows certified public accountant applicants to qualify with a bachelor’s degree, an accounting concentration or equivalent coursework, and 2 years of relevant experience. Applicants can replace 1 experience year with 30 extra semester credits beyond the bachelor’s minimum. A degree beyond a bachelor’s with an accounting concentration requires 1 year of relevant experience. Applicants must pass the required accounting and auditing exam, including related subjects set by the Board. The Board verifies experience and decides whether it shows the skills needed to serve the public as an accountant. Experience can include a broad range of services under verifiable supervision. These emergency rules took effect after mayoral approval and last no more than 90 days.

Out-of-state accountants gain protected practice access

Accountants whose main business location is outside D.C. can practice there without a separate D.C. license. They need an unrestricted certified public accountant license in good standing from another state or territory. Their initial license must reflect passing the Uniform CPA Examination and education and experience requirements equivalent to D.C.’s. Accountants with D.C. practice privileges immediately before this law took effect keep them even without meeting the new requirements. They must still have their main business location outside D.C. and hold an outside license in good standing. Using the privilege counts as accepting the law’s applicable consent condition. These emergency rules took effect after mayoral approval and last no more than 90 days.

Businesses can receive licensing payment refunds

The Mayor can refund all or part of a license fee or tax paid or collected by mistake. This authority covers payments under D.C.’s Chapter 28 business licensing law. Refunds are not guaranteed, and the law sets no fixed refund amount. This emergency authority took effect after mayoral approval and lasts no more than 90 days.

Motor-club towing gets storage-lot licensing relief

Qualifying motor clubs need not list a towing storage lot when applying for a vehicular services license. The exemption also covers businesses providing private towing exclusively for a qualifying club. A private tow is requested by the vehicle owner or an authorized agent. Clubs must offer emergency roadside help to members and at least 2 additional listed services. These include reservations or discounts, member loans, group insurance, defense fees, stolen-vehicle locating, or related services approved by the Mayor. These emergency rules took effect after mayoral approval and last no more than 90 days.

Neighborhood commissions get entertainment licensing notice

D.C.’s Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection must notify the affected Advisory Neighborhood Commission before granting or renewing entertainment licenses. Covered activities include theaters, cinemas, skating rinks, dance halls, exhibitions, lectures, and other entertainment. The Department must give 30 days’ notice by first-class mail or email, naming the applicant and location. It must give great weight to the commission’s recommendations. These emergency rules took effect after mayoral approval and last no more than 90 days.

Mayor can add accountant licensing requirements

The Mayor can add requirements for certified public accountant licenses to ensure proper training, experience, and qualifications. New requirements must follow the District’s Administrative Procedure Act rulemaking process. The law does not itself specify added requirements. This emergency authority took effect after mayoral approval and lasts no more than 90 days.

Longer business licenses and later renewals

Covered D.C. business licenses can last 6 months, 2 years, or 4 years. A covered 4-year basic business license costs $198. The law also removes the 9-month cutoff for renewing an expired business license. License holders can seek renewal more than 9 months after expiration, subject to the remaining licensing rules. These emergency rules took effect after mayoral approval and last no more than 90 days.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Brianne K. Nadeau
Democratic • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 13 • No: 0

House vote • 7/14/2026

Final Reading