New Key State Legislative and Regulatory Developments

 

Alabama’s legislature reconvened Monday, August 3rd in special session.  Per the Governor’s call, Alabama legislators are expected to meet up to seven legislative days this week and next to address the general fund budget.  During this time, they may address other issues – including state authorization – with a two-thirds supermajority vote in each chamber.

 

In Alabama, two identical state authorization bills were introduced in the House of Representative August 3rd.  HB 6 was co-sponsored by Democratic Representatives Thomas Jackson and Elaine Beech, and HB 17 was sponsored by Republican Will Ainsworth.  Both bills were referred to the House Boards, Agencies and Commissions Committee and contain legislative language similar to a regular session bill -- SB 209 – that was unanimously approved by the Senate on April 9th.  Unfortunately, SB 209 failed to receive a final House floor vote before the June 4th sine die adjournment.

AACS is currently working with member schools in Alabama to arrange the introduction of an identical Senate bill.

Illinois Representative Frances Ann Hurley (D) introduced a bill last month that would require barbering, cosmetology, esthetician, hair braiding, and nail technician training programs to provide both domestic violence and sexual assault education as determined by rule of the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.  Illinois HB 4264 also requires that the continuing education needed to renew a license as a cosmetologist, esthetician, hair braider, or nail technician must include both domestic violence and sexual assault education as determined by rule of the Department.

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo (D) signed a bill – SB 5966 – into law last month that authorizes the Secretary of State to order the cessation of unlicensed appearance enhancement activity.  SB 5966 also requires the Secretary of State to promulgate rules to register nail specialty trainees.  According to the bill, "a trainee may obtain a license to practice nail specialty if such trainee provides satisfactory evidence to the secretary that such trainee has been actively engaged in a traineeship for a period of one year and has completed a course of study set forth by the secretary. Such course of study may be delivered by electronic means."  The bill stipulates that a certificate of registration as a trainee is valid for one year, renewable for a second year, "and may be renewed for additional terms within the discretion of the secretary."

The bill requires the Secretary of State to promulgate rules "in order to ensure the health, safety and welfare of the public...Regulations setting forth the educational requirements for nail specialists and trainees shall include education in the area of causes of infection and bacteriology.  In promulgating such rules and regulations the secretary shall consult with the state education department, the advisory committee established pursuant to this article, any other state agencies and private industry representatives as may be appropriate in determining minimum training requirements."

Links to this bill and others of interest to cosmetology schools can be found in AACS’ Bill Tracking Portal at https://www.billtrack50.com/Public/Stakeholder/Jt1rI23hjU2jC1MOSr6KVA/Embedded.

Please do not hesitate to contact Brian Newman at brian.carl.newman@gmail.com or by phone at 202-491-5254 with any comments or questions.