House Bill 655 Summary

• Merges the State Board of Cosmetology and State Board of Barber Examiners into a single State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering, effective July 1, 2024.

• Restructures board membership to include the State Health Officer and seven appointed members: three cosmetologists (one salon owner), three barbers, and one consumer member, with staggered initial terms of 2, 4, and 6 years.

• Creates an executive director position appointed by the board to serve as full-time administrator, subject to State Personnel Board salary approval.

• Establishes apprenticeship programs as alternatives to traditional schooling: 3,000 hours for cosmetology and barbers, 1,200 hours for estheticians, and 700 hours for manicurists, each mentored by licensed instructors.

• Increases penalties for violations with a tiered fine system (Class A: $500-$1,000 for unlicensed practice; Class B: $250-$750 for major health violations; Class C: $100-$500 for minor violations).