Investor Confidence in Public Accounting Act of 2002

Summary

Investor Confidence in Public Accounting Act of 2002 Directs the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to designate an Independent Public Accounting Board (IPAB), subject to SEC oversight, which shall exercise regulatory jurisdiction over public accounting firms. Directs IPAB to: (1) establish and enforce auditor quality control and auditing standards to be used by registered independent public accounting firms (RIPA firm); (2) assess periodically RIPA firm compliance; and (3) establish record retention criteria. Amends the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to prohibit RIPA firms from conducting specified non-audit services for a securities issuer contemporaneously with either: (1) auditing the issuer; or (2) receiving general revenues from it. Prohibits a RIPA firm from performing auditing services for an issuer if any management-level personnel of that issuer had been an employee of the RIPA during the 2-year period preceding such audit (thereby preventing revolving-door conflicts-of-interest). Sets forth procedures for: (1) mandatory registration of RIPA firms with IPAB; and (2) IPAB investigations and disciplinary proceedings. Directs the SEC to recognize generally accepted accounting principles established by a U.S. standard setting body that meets prescribed criteria. Makes it unlawful for any officer, director, or affiliated person of an issuer registered with the SEC to make material misrepresentations to a RIPA. Increases the number of SEC professional accountant positions to provide enhanced oversight of auditors and auditing services. Instructs the SEC to require issuers to submit periodic financial disclosures pertaining to transactions and relationships: (1) likely to expose the issuer to liability or impaired financial status; and (2) necessary for an understanding of their business purpose and economic substance. Mandates prompt electronic disclosure of affiliate transactions. Directs the SEC to submit recommendations to IPAB regarding: (1) the treatment of stock options; and (2) the consolidation and disclosure of special purpose entities and similar types of affiliates or related parties under IPAB accounting standards.

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Timeline

1. 23 January 2002

   Introduced

   Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S8-10)

   Source: IntroReferral

2. 8 March 2002

   Introduced

   Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.

   Source: IntroReferral

3. 8 March 2002

   Introduced

   Introduced in Senate

   Source: IntroReferral

Votes

No vote records are attached yet.

Versions

• Introduced in Senate · 8 March 2002 · Official file

Documents

3 official files

• Introduced in Senate (text)

  Introduced in Senate · EN · 8 March 2002

  ViewDownloadOpen at official source

• Introduced in Senate (PDF)

  Introduced in Senate · EN · 8 March 2002

  ViewDownloadOpen at official source

• Introduced in Senate

  summary · EN · 8 March 2002

  Open at official source

Sponsors

• Rep. Dodd, Christopher J. [D-CT-2] · D · Sponsor
• Sen. Corzine, Jon S. [D-NJ] · D · Sponsor
• Sen. Stabenow, Debbie [D-MI] · D · Sponsor
• Rep. Johnson, Tim [D-SD-At Large] · D · Sponsor
• Rep. Boxer, Barbara [D-CA-6] · D · Sponsor
• · ssbk00 · Standing

Related records

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