‘‘(iv) has adopted procedures to ensure prompt consideration, by majority vote of its members, of changes to accounting principles necessary to reflect emerging accounting issues and changing business practices; and
‘‘(v) considers, in adopting accounting principles, the need to keep standards current in order to reflect changes in the business environment, the extent to which international convergence on high quality accounting standards is necessary or appropriate in the public interest and for the protection of investors; and
‘‘(B) that the Commission determines has the capacity to assist the Commission in fulfilling the requirements of subsection (a) and section 13(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, because, at a minimum, the standard setting body is capable of improving the accuracy and effectiveness of financial reporting and the protection of investors under the securities laws.
‘‘(2) ANNUAL REPORT.—A standard setting body described in paragraph (1) shall submit an annual report to the Commission and the public, containing audited financial statements of that standard setting body.’’.
(b)COMMISSION AUTHORITY.—The Commission shall promul Regulations. gate such rules and regulations to carry out section 19(b) of the
Securities Act of 1933, as added by this section, as it deems necessary or appropriate in the public interest or for the protection of investors.
(c)NO EFFECT ON COMMISSION POWERS.—Nothing in this Act,
including this section and the amendment made by this section, shall be construed to impair or limit the authority of the Commission to establish accounting principles or standards for purposes of enforcement of the securities laws.
(d) STUDY AND REPORT ON ADOPTING PRINCIPLES-BASED ACCOUNTING.—
(1)STUDY.—
(A)IN GENERAL.—The Commission shall conduct a study on the adoption by the United States financial reporting system of a principles-based accounting system.
(B)STUDY TOPICS.—The study required by sub paragraph (A) shall include an examination of—
(i)the extent to which principles-based accounting and financial reporting exists in the United States;
(ii)the length of time required for change from a rules based to a principles-based financial reporting system;