HB 139 - Barber and Cosmetology Services Act

• Repeals separate barber and cosmetology licensing boards (Chapters 5 and 8, Title 54) and creates a unified Barber and Cosmetology Services Licensing Board with 7 members under the Department of Self-Governing Agencies.

• Establishes licensure requirements and defines occupations including barbers, barber-stylists, cosmetologists, electrologists, estheticians, haircutters, and nail technicians with specific training hour requirements ranging from 400-4,000 hours depending on occupation and pathway (school vs. apprenticeship).

• Creates limited licenses for retail cosmetics dealers and makeover/glamour photography businesses to apply cosmetic products to customers in connection with product sales without requiring full cosmetology licensure.

• Sets license fees not exceeding $50 for individuals, $100 for endorsement, and $500-$150 for schools, with civil penalties up to $1,000 per violation and establishes sanitation requirements and disinfection protocols for establishments.

• Provides exemptions from licensing for healthcare practitioners, home practice without compensation, demonstrations under 14 days, event styling, and theatrical/film production work.