MS SB2566

Revises State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering requirements including establishing minimum qualifications for the executive director (bachelor's degree plus three years of management experience) and requiring board meeting notices follow the Open Meetings Act.

Reduces educational prerequisites for licensure examination from high school diploma to completion of tenth grade, while allowing apprenticeship programs to be mentored by practitioners with at least 15 years of experience (not just instructors) with up to two apprentices per mentor.

Creates provisions for experienced licensees (10+ years) with expired licenses (up to 5 years) to renew without re-examination by paying required fees and completing continuing education; also establishes inactive status registration for licensed practitioners not actively practicing.

Requires the board to promulgate rules by January 1, 2027, to enable licensure of mobile salon/barber shops, and allows licensees to render services at skilled nursing facilities, long-term care hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, and to deceased persons away from their shop.

Modifies fee structure including waiving initial license fees for applicants participating in certain benefit programs, adds delinquent renewal penalties for master licenses, and exempts entities protected by the Mississippi Tort Claims Act from surety bond requirements for school licenses.