VT H0539

Vermont would join the Cosmetology Licensure Compact, allowing cosmetologists, barbers, estheticians, and nail technicians with a multistate license to practice across all member states without obtaining separate licenses in each state

The compact becomes effective when seven states enact it, creating the Cosmetology Licensure Compact Commission to administer the interstate licensing system and maintain a shared data system for licensure and disciplinary information

Licensees must hold an active, unencumbered license in their home state to qualify for a multistate license, and must comply with the scope of practice laws of any state where they provide services

Each member state retains authority over disciplinary actions, with the home state having exclusive power over the multistate license itself while remote states can take action against a licensee's authorization to practice within their borders

The bill takes effect June 1, 2027, and also adds barbers, cosmetologists, estheticians, and nail technicians to the list of professions for which Vermont may conduct criminal background checks