Miller's Bill Modernizing Cosmetology and Barber Licensing Advances in Ohio House

On Tuesday, legislation introduced by State Rep. Melanie Miller (R-City of Ashland) and State Rep. Bill Roemer (R-Richfield) has been unanimously approved by the House Commerce and Labor Committee. The legislation modernizes the statutes authorizing the Cosmetology and Barber Board and updates statutes to harmonize the regulations and processes of the board to better serve licensees.

“This is simply a bill to standardize Ohio’s regulation of these personal appearance service providers to create a more efficient pathway for current cosmetologists and barbers as well as the many individuals moving into the field,” Miller said. “I am confident that these and other changes that update our code will serve to encourage the Barber and Cosmetology industry to grow and thrive in Ohio.”

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.

Miller points out the bill does not include any changes to current training hour requirements for initial licensure. 

The legislation now awaits further consideration in the Ohio House.