HB 277 Summary

• Amends Ohio law governing regulation of cosmetologists and barbers by updating training hour requirements, examination procedures, and licensing standards for both professions

• Reduces barber training hours from 1,800 to 1,400 hours for applicants with current cosmetology or hair designer licenses, and allows written exams to be taken at designated testing facilities rather than only at barber schools

• Permits cosmetology students to take written portions of licensing exams after completing minimum training hours (750 hours for cosmetology, 450 for esthetics, 600 for hair design, etc.) rather than requiring completion of all hours before examination

• Allows barber schools and cosmetology schools to offer required education through distance education in addition to classroom instruction, and permits non-licensed individuals to teach certain subjects under specific conditions

• Modifies endorsement requirements for barbers and cosmetologists licensed in other states by clarifying the board may waive requirements or require examinations, and establishes that continuing education can be satisfied through classroom or distance education