The following is a compendium of 2025 state bill enactments from Arkansas through Mississippi. The next two State Updates will similarly feature bill enactments from the remaining states. Please note that this resource may not list all enactments of interest or concern to your school or business.
Arkansas HB 1217 – Enacts the Interstate Massage Compact
Arkansas HB 1673 – Updates and amends the state’s barbering act. Of interest to barber schools and colleges, HB 1673 would require a minimum of 16 chairs in a training room, which is an increase of one from current law. The measure also deletes language stipulating how schools must structure their daily schedules. However, they still must post a daily schedule in their general clinic.
Idaho H 120 – Eliminates licensure for "retail thermal styling equipment dealers."
Idaho H 121 – Deregulates makeup artistry.
Idaho H 122 – Deregulates makeover and glamour photography businesses.
Indiana HB 1320 – Expands U.S. Department of Labor registered apprenticeships to barbering and manicuring.
Iowa HF 711 – Establishes a a 2,000-hour establishment training program. The state also has U.S. Department of Labor registered apprenticeships.
Kansas HB 2069 – Enacts four compact bills – including the Cosmetology Licensure Compact – into law.
Kansas HB 2338 – Allows qualified applicants to apply to the Kansas State Board of Cosmetology for a temporary location or temporary guest artist permit.
Kentucky SB 22 – Allows a cosmetologist, nail technician, limited stylist, esthetician, or instructor applicant to “retake any examination an unlimited number of times until the applicant passes that examination;” removes the requirement that a licensed cosmetologist serve as the executive director of the Board of Cosmetology; permit mobile barber shops, and; adds language stating that it is “an immediate and present danger to the health and safety of the public if it is documented and verified that a licensee knowingly employs or utilizes the services of an unlicensed individual.”
Louisiana HB 326 – Modifies the composition of the Board of Cosmetology and revises licensure fees.
Maryland HB 1223/SB 617 – Establishes a 100-hour limited license to provide eyelash extension services.
Maryland HB 1547 – Requires barbering and comitology board licensure applicants to complete one hour of in-person or virtual training in domestic violence awareness. The Maryland Department of Labor shall “approve the training programs than an individual may complete to satisfy the domestic violence awareness training requirements of this title.”
Maryland SB 217 – Expands the State Board of Massage Therapy Examiners from seven to nine seats by adding an additional massage therapist and an additional consumer member. The Act details qualifications for massage therapist board members, including being a resident of the state, having at least five years of practice, and being in good standing with the board.
Mississippi SB 2525 – A technical amendment Act that updates language due to the 2024 creation of unified Board of Cosmetology and Barbering.
Mississippi SB 2695 – Extends the sunset date for the Mississippi Professional Massage Therapy Act from July 1, 2025, to July 1, 2029. | 
