Miller Introduces Bill Modernizing Cosmetology and Barber Licensing

State Reps. Melanie Miller (R-City of Ashland) and Bill Roemer (R-Richfield) have introduced legislation modernizing the statutes authorizing the Cosmetology and Barber Board. The bill updates the statutes to harmonize the regulations and processes of the board and better serve licensees.

“After a lot of discussion and consideration over the past few years, I believe we have the support to move this bill forward as we find common ground on this issue,” Miller said. “We have a unique opportunity to clean-up the cosmetology and barbering statues to reduce barriers for the profession as we work to improve our workforce.”

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

Some of the highlights of the bill includes:

• Creating a unified barbering/cosmetology school license, to eliminate duplicative application 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.

Additionally, the bill does not include any changes to current training hour requirements for initial licensure. 

The legislation awaits its first committee hearing.