IL HB2737

Allows barbering, cosmetology, esthetics, nail technology, and hair braiding schools to provide up to 50% of required theory hours through online or distance study, subject to Department of Financial and Professional Regulation rules

Permits up to 10% of required training hours to be completed through internship programs supervised by a licensed professional in the relevant field

Creates an alternative pathway for cosmetologist licensure requiring completion of a Department-approved online course plus 750 hours of hands-on training supervised by a licensed cosmetologist (instead of the standard 1,500-hour school program)

Allows hands-on training completed under supervision of professionals licensed in other U.S. states, territories, or foreign countries to count toward the 750-hour requirement for the alternative cosmetology licensure pathway

Applies these flexible education options across multiple license types including barbers, cosmetologists, estheticians, nail technicians, hair braiders, and teacher licenses in each specialty