This Week in the States
The current week finds 43 state legislatures actively meeting, including the following states which kicked off their respective 2022 legislative sessions this week.
Connecticut—Convened February 9
Oklahoma—Convened February 7
Updates on Hour Reduction Bills
Last week’s report incorrectly reported the Virginia Senate vote on SB 544. The measure stating that the Board for Barbers and Cosmetology cannot require more than 1,000 hours for an initial license to practice cosmetology was passed on February 1, by a vote of 36 to 4.
SB 544 is currently awaiting transmittal to the House of Delegates.
In Arizona, AACS has learned that HB 2399 will not advance this year. As previously reported, the measure would have reduced the course of instruction for cosmetology from 1,500 hours to 1,000 hours and the course of instruction for a hairstylist license from 1,000 hours to 600 hours.
Kentucky Styling Bill Introduced
Kentucky Senator Alice Kerr (R) recently introduced a bill to change the state’s “blow dry services” license to a “shampoo and style services” license. The course of instruction for the new license would be 300 hours, which is a 150 hour decrease from the current blow drying license. SB 113 defines “shampoo and style services” to include any of the following performed on hair: “arranging; cleaning; curling; dressing; blow drying; or performing any other similar procedure.” The measure also contains provisions providing for temporary event services permits.
Of special interest to schools, Kentucky SB 113 would eliminate current restrictions of when hours may be provided. Current law states that hours can only be awarded during “an uninterrupted period with not more than eight (8) hours nor less than four (4) hours of instruction a day, exclusive of Sundays; except that in the state area vocational schools, the required hours of instruction may be offered according to the schedule for other vocational classes in the school.”
South Carolina Subcommittee Advances Hair Design Bill
A South Carolina House Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs (3-M) Subcommittee voted 4 to 0 last week to favorably report a bill that would establish a 1,200-hour hair design license. Steven Dawson from Kenneth Shuler School of Cosmetology testified in support of H4082.
The full 3-M Committee is expected to consider and report the bill this week.
Rhode Island Apprenticeship Bill Introduced
A bill to establish two-year Rhode Island hairdresser apprenticeships was introduced last week. H7267 would require the apprentice to be supervised by a licensed hairdresser with at least three years of experience. As currently drafted, it is unclear if apprentice trained hairdressers would be required to take the state’s theory and/or practical licensure examinations.
H7267 has been referred to the House Corporations Committee.
New Mexico Expedited Licensure Bill Advances to the House Floor
New Mexico’s House Commerce and Economic Development Committee voted unanimously (9 to 0) last week to favorable report a Committee Substitute to HB 191. The multi-occupation reform bill would provide expedited licensure based on the applicant being licensed in good standing in another jurisdiction. The Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists would be required to establish and post a list of states and foreign counties that they will not accept for expedited licensure.
The bill headed to the House floor would also remove high school education requirements for licensure as a barber, hairstylist, or cosmetologist.
Tennessee Advances Sunset Bills
Tennessee’s Senate voted unanimously on Monday to extend the sunset of the state’s Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners to June 30, 2028. The bill, which is currently free of policy riders, will soon be transmitted to the House chamber. The House companion bill—HB 1803—was favorably reported from the House Government Operations Committee on Monday and is currently in the House Calendar & Rules Committee.
The following Tennessee bills were introduced last week:
Tennessee HB 2865/SB 2768—The measures extend the timeframe which the Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners must publish law and rule changes on its website.
Tennessee HB 2697/SB 2754—The bills would increase from seven to eight years the timeframe for barbering students to complete their required course of instruction. After eight years, the Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners may require additional courses or hours.
School Supported Bills Introduced in New Jersey
A series of bills supported by New Jersey school owners were introduced this week by Assembly member Pamela Lampitt (D), the chair of the Assembly Education Committee.
A2231 would allow New Jersey’s State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling to conduct examinations at schools of cosmetology and hairstyling during a public health emergency or a state of emergency.
A2232 would allow certain licensees of New Jersey’s State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling to teach in private schools of cosmetology and hairstyling.A2581 would allow certain cosmetology and hairstyling courses to be taught using distance learning technology.
A2582 would revise the membership of New Jersey’s State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling.
A2231 and A2232 have been referred to the Assembly Regulated Professions Committee. The text of all four measure has yet to be posted online. AACS will further report on them after reviewing the text.
Other Bills on the Move
Iowa HF 2071—A House State Government Subcommittee voted 3 to 0 last week to favorably report the mobile salon bill.
Iowa HF 2106—This threading deregulation bill was favorably reported last week by a House State Government Subcommittee.
South Dakota HB 1169—The House Commerce and Energy Committee favorably reported a committee substitute to HB 1169 last Friday. As previously reported, the bill would reduce the course of instruction for barbering from 1,550 to 1,500 hours. The substitute, however, removed language in the introduced bill that would have authorized various licensure fees.
West Virginia HB 2325—The bill is currently on the Senate floor awaiting final passage after it was favorably reported by the chamber’s Government Organization Committee last week. As previously reported, the measure would eliminate continuing education for West Virginia barbers and cosmetologists.
Bill Text and Questions
Please visit AACS’ Bill Tracking Portal for bill text and status. You may also contact Brian Newman at bnewman@abingdonstrategies.com or by phone at (202) 491-5254 with comments or questions.