S.B. No. 133 Summary

• Amends Ohio law to allow cosmetology and barber training to be offered through distance education in addition to classroom instruction for schools, continuing education, and barber schools.

• Permits applicants to take the written portion of examinations at designated testing facilities rather than only at schools, while practical demonstrations may still be conducted at the school of graduation.

• Reduces initial cosmetologist training hours from 1,500 to 1,400 hours for applicants with a current barber license, and reduces initial hair designer training hours from 1,800 to 1,200 hours for barbers.

• Establishes that the State Cosmetology and Barber Board may waive requirements or require examinations for barber license applicants seeking endorsement from other states or countries.

• Requires the board to adopt rules within two years allowing cosmetology students to take the written examination portion before completing all minimum training hours, with completion of remaining hours required before licensure.