Legislation introduced creating CPA/client privilege

OSCPA-backed legislation creating a long-sought testimonial privilege between CPAs and their clients has been introduced in the Ohio House of Representatives.

Sponsored by Rep. Bill Batchelder (R-Medina), HB 578 would establish a testimonial privilege, which will provide business and personal clients with the ability to openly discuss threats and opportunities with their CPA without the threat of subpoena. The privilege will protect only the discussions between CPA and client and any notes the CPA makes memorializing those discussions; all other CPA work products will not be privileged.

In addition to Rep. Batchelder, OSCPA extends hearty thanks to the 13 state representatives who signed on as cosponsors of this important legislation:

• Carol Ann Schindel, CPA (R-Leroy Township)
• Clyde Evans (R-Rio Grande)
• Jimmy Stewart (R-Albany)
• Barbara Boyd (D-Cleveland Heights)
• Tom Patton (R-Strongville)
• Gerald Stebelton (R-Lancaster)
• Arlene Setzer (R-Vandalia)
• Robert Mecklenborg (R-Cincinnati)
• Sandra Stabile Harwood (D-Niles)
• Stephen Slesnick (D-Canton)
• Matt Szollosi (D-Oregon)
• Linda Bolon (D-East Palestine)
• Deborah Newcomb (D-Conneaut)

If any of these legislators are in your area, please be sure to thank them for their leadership.

Hearings on HB 578 likely will not begin until after the Legislature’s summer break. For more information on this issue, contact Barbara Benton.

More Ohio Legislation

Federal Legislation

Back to Advocacy home page