During the CalCPA Council meeting, Legislative Summit and CPA Day at the Capitol this week, CalCPA recognized a legislative partner who has had a lasting impact on the CPA profession in California: Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin.

Representing California’s 42nd Assembly District—encompassing Thousand Oaks and communities throughout Ventura County and parts of Los Angeles County—Irwin has been a consistent, thoughtful and highly respected ally of CalCPA and its members throughout her time in the Legislature. Known for her pragmatic approach, commitment to data-driven policymaking and ability to work collaboratively across party lines, she has helped advance responsible policies that strengthen both the profession and the public interest.

Her leadership includes authoring landmark legislation to modernize CPA licensure and expand access to the profession, helping ensure California’s CPA pipeline remains strong for generations to come.

“While you're looking for a legislator partner worth investing time and trust, you look for someone who listens, engages and works collaboratively to advance our policies. Someone with a thoughtful, pragmatic approach who values data, understands real-world impact and focuses on long-term outcomes. For CalCPA, that person has been Assemblymember Jackie Irwin,” said CalCPA Chair Jillian Phan.

Modernizing CPA Licensure and Expanding Access

Among Irwin’s most significant contributions to the profession is her leadership on landmark legislation modernizing CPA licensure in California. In 2024, she authored AB 1175, a CalCPA-sponsored bill that created more flexible and accessible licensure pathways while preserving California’s strong consumer protection standards. She also authored AB 298, which allows CPA candidates to sit for the exam earlier in the licensure process.

Together, these measures represent some of the most impactful licensure changes in recent years—changes designed to strengthen the CPA pipeline and make the profession more accessible to future generations.

“I am very honored that CalCPA is recognizing me—for a second time,” said Irwin. “Through my many years on the Business and Professions Committee and my previous legislation with CalCPA, I can honestly say that the work you do is crucial to our communities.”

Leadership Where It Matters Most

Beyond individual bills, Irwin has played an influential role in shaping policy that affects CPAs through her committee leadership. As chair of the Assembly Revenue and Taxation Committee, she helped evaluate complex proposals, craft responsible tax policy and—just as critically—prevent problematic ideas from advancing. She has also been a longtime member of the Assembly Business and Professions Committee, where licensure and regulatory issues central to the CPA profession are regularly debated.

Reflecting on AB 1175, Irwin emphasized the balance the legislation struck.

“Yes, we made licensure pathways more accessible, but we also made sure that we maintained the state’s strong consumer protections,” she said. “The demand for CPA services only continues to grow, so it’s crucial that California has a diverse, talented workforce we can all count on.”

She also took a moment to recognize the staff members who helped make the legislation possible, underscoring the collaborative nature of the work.

A Lasting Impact—and Continued Partnership

While Irwin’s recognition comes as she reaches the end of her legislative service due to term limits, it does not mark the end of her public service. As she prepares for the next chapter—running for Congress—CalCPA looks forward to continuing working with her at the federal level.

It was fitting that the recognition took place at the start of CPA Day and CalCPA’s Council meetings at the Capitol—an event centered on advocacy, partnership and the future of the profession.