MS HB313

Merges the State Board of Cosmetology and State Board of Barber Examiners into a single State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering composed of seven members (six appointed by the Governor plus the State Health Officer or designee), with three members from cosmetology and three from barbering professions.

Creates new barbering licensure requirements including 1,500 hours of school training or 3,000 hours of apprenticeship, with apprenticeships mentored by licensed instructors (one apprentice per mentor), and establishes a new Section 73-7-13.1 for barber licensing standards.

Increases bond requirements from $5,000 to $25,000 for board members and employees, expands inspector positions from seven to twelve, and establishes an executive director position appointed by the board based on national best practices.

Reorganizes school licensing with tiered statuses (temporary, probationary, conditional, nonconditional) based on graduation history and examination pass rates, requires $50,000 surety bonds for schools, and mandates proof of professional liability insurance.

Implements a three-tier violation and fine system: Class A ($50-$200), Class B ($250-$750), and Class C ($800-$1,000) for major health violations and unlicensed practice; repeals all thirty sections of Chapter 73-5 establishing the separate Board of Barber Examiners, effective January 1, 2025.