MO HB2194

Allows cosmetology schools to base course study on either traditional hour requirements or federal credit hour formula (34 CFR 668.8), providing flexibility in curriculum design.

Maintains minimum hour requirements: 1,500 hours for cosmetologists (1,220 for public vocational schools), 400 hours for manicurists, and 750 hours for estheticians, with 160, 50, and 75 hours respectively required before student work on patrons.

Specifies detailed curriculum requirements by occupation, including subject-specific hour minimums such as 130 hours for hair coloring, 220 hours for manicuring in manicurist programs, and 120 hours for facials in esthetician programs.

Establishes instructor-to-student ratio of one licensed instructor per 25 students, plus up to 10 additional students with instructor trainee assistance; allows new instructors to teach up to three trainees immediately after licensure.

Requires new accredited cosmetology schools to maintain a ratio of at least 9 active instructors per licensed school; allows schools licensed before August 28, 2010 to retain existing status, and permits relicensing when schools relocate within 25 miles or change ownership.