House Committee Passes Legislation Modernizing Cosmetology and Barber Licensing

June 21, 2023

COLUMBUS –The House Commerce and Labor Committee unanimously passed House Bill 158 joint sponsored by State Reps. Bill Roemer (R-Richfield) and Melanie Miller (R-City of Ashland). The legislation updates Cosmetology and Barber Board statutes to harmonize regulations and processes.

“The changes made under House Bill 158 will better serve licensees by reducing barriers to enter the profession,” said Roemer. “We should take advantage of the unique opportunity we have to clean up the cosmetology and barbering statues.”

The Cosmetology and Barber Board was consolidated from two separate boards in 2017, but the joint sponsors believe the law is not adequately adjusted to account for this merger.

Key provisions of the bill include:

· Creating a unified barbering/cosmetology school license, to eliminate duplicative applications for facilities that teach both cosmetology and barbering.

· Loosening regulations on license reciprocity from other states.

· Reducing fines for disciplinary actions.

· Establishing temporary pre-examination work permits for barbers.

· Lowering the age to apply for a barber license or to start barbering school to 16 years of age

· Eliminates a requirement that a barber student complete 200 additional hours of training before re-taking the licensing exam.

· Preventing the board from charging interest or penalty fees for unpaid fines.

· Creating an independent contractor license, eliminating “shop within a shop” licenses

· Creating a process to designate a license as “inactive.”

· Allowing the board to independently set the passing score for the barber exam, rather than keeping it in statute.

· Easing regulations for practicing a branch of cosmetology/barbering on a dead body in a funeral home or embalming facility.

The legislation does not change the current training hour requirements for initial licensure.

House Bill 158 awaits a vote on the House floor.