COSMETOLOGY/BARBER-APPRENTICES

From the Legislature

Amends the Barber, Cosmetology, Esthetics, Hair Braiding, and Nail Technology Act of 1985. Defines terms. Provides that an application shall not be automatically placed on hold, delayed, denied, or otherwise not processed by the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation due to the application being submitted by a person who is incarcerated. Provides that the Department shall process applications of a person who is incarcerated. Provides that the Department shall process applications for licensure, including the renewal, endorsement, or restoration of a license submitted by a person who is incarcerated without any additional requirements or delays. Provides that the Department shall issue licenses to, and renew and restore the licenses of, a person who is incarcerated, who has submitted an application, and who otherwise qualifies for licensure. Provides that the Department may waive the 3-year time limitations under specific provisions and any continuing education requirements for a person who is incarcerated. Provides that when determining the qualifications of licensure for a person who is incarcerated, including the renewal, endorsement, and restoration of a license, the Department shall consider any relevant experience that was supervised by a licensee in the same manner as training and experience gained in another jurisdiction. Adds provisions concerning apprenticeships and the requirements for cosmetology, barbering, esthetics, nail technology, and hair braiding apprenticeship programs. Makes related changes in provisions concerning barber, cosmetologist, esthetician, nail technician, and hair braider examination, failure to take examination, licensure requirements, and qualifications. Removes the requirement that applicants for licensure as a barber, cosmetologist, esthetician, or nail technician must complete a specific amount of hours in the respective study before they may take their licensure examination in either barbering, cosmetology, esthetics, or nail technology. Requires hair braider license applicants to pass an examination authorized by the Department. Provides that individuals who have completed a specific number of hours in an apprentice program for barbering or cosmetology or individuals who have completed apprenticeship programs for estheticians, nail technicians, or hair braiders may qualify for licensure. Makes other changes.