SB 439

Current law authorizes the Cosmetology Examining Board (board) to require,

by rule, that licensed cosmetologists complete continuing education hours if

necessary to preserve the public health, safety, or welfare. This bill provides that any

such rule may not require a licensed cosmetologist to complete more than four

training hours of instruction in cosmetology every two years for eight years. Under

the bill, the board's rules may not require a licensed cosmetologist to complete any

continuing education requirements after the licensed cosmetologist has practiced

cosmetology for eight years. However, under current law, the board may require

continuing education at any time as a part of the disciplinary process for a particular

licensed cosmetologist. The bill does not alter that existing power of the board.

Also under current law, DSPS certifies instructors in barbering, cosmetology,

aesthetics, electrology, and manicuring. An applicant for certification as an

instructor in barbering or cosmetology must, among other things, complete 2,000

hours of practice as a licensed barber or cosmetologist or hold a barbering manager

or cosmetology manager license; complete 150 hours of instructor training approved

by DSPS; and pass an examination administered by DSPS to determine fitness to act

as an instructor in barbering or cosmetology. Under the bill, DSPS must certify an

applicant for certification as an instructor in barbering or cosmetology if the

applicant either completes 4,000 hours as a licensed barber or cosmetologist or

completes 2,000 hours of practice as a licensed barber or cosmetologist in

combination with 150 hours of training in appropriate theoretical instruction. The

bill eliminates any examination requirement for obtaining certification as an

instructor in barbering, cosmetology, aesthetics, electrology, or manicuring.