State Updates

Cosmetology Hour Reduction Bill Introduced in Ohio

Earlier this month, Ohio Representative Jena Powell (R) introduced a bill that would reduce the course of instruction for cosmetology in the Buckeye State from 1,500 to 1,000 hours. The measure – HB 399 – has 16 co-sponsors and proposes other notable changes to the state’s cosmetology and barbering act, including:

· Reducing the course of instruction for hair design from 1,200 to 800 hours;

· Providing for early testing;

· Permitting school administration of the practical licensure exam;

· Increasing school surety bonds from $10,000 to an amount “equal to ten per cent of the school's gross income from tuition, fees, and other required institutional charges during the preceding calendar year, provided that the required amount of the bond shall be not less than ten thousand dollars and not more than two hundred fifty thousand dollars;”

· Allowing cosmetology and barber schools to offer distance education in accordance with Board rules, and;

· Establishing apprenticeship programs. These programs must pay at least a minimum wage and cannot be longer than 150% of the course of instruction at a school.

The bill has been referred to the House State and Local Government Committee.

Please do not hesitate to contact Brian Newman at bnewman@abingdonstrategies.com or by phone at 202-491-5254 with any questions.