State Update – May 14

May 14, 2025

HEADLINES

• New Barbering License Proposed in Iowa
• New Hampshire to Reduce Cosmetology Hours
• Oklahoma Sunset Extension Bill Headed to Governor  

THIS WEEK IN THE STATES

The current week finds 29 states actively meeting. Over the next two weeks, the following three state legislatures are scheduled to adjourn for 2025: Alabama (May 15), Alaska (May 21), and Minnesota (May 19).

IOWA SENATE VOTES TO ESTABLISH A 600 HOUR BARBERING LICENSE

Iowa’s Senate voted 30 to 20 Monday evening to amend and pass HF 711. The bill was redrafted by a strike all amendment to establish a 600-hour non-chemical barbering license.

Why this is important: Opposition to the bill was bipartisian with six Senate Republicans joining the Democrats in opposing the bill.

The Iowa Barber & Cosmetology Schools Association, along with the Cosmetologists & Barbers of Iowa, is opposing the original establishment training program bill and the Senate-amended bill. They indicated in recently legislative correspondence, the “bill, and especially the proposed amendment, has not been fully vetted in the Senate Committee process. The amendment introduces a new license that is not supported by any stakeholders in the industry – including barbers. It is neither requested nor necessary."

The measure will be returned to the House for a possible concurrence vote.

NEW HAMPSHIRE COSMETOLOGY HOUR REDUCTION BILL RECEIVES FINAL LEGISLATION

Earlier this month, the House of Representatives passed SB 194 by an uncontested voice vote. As previously reported, the measure would reduce the minimum course of instruction for cosmetology in the Granite State from 1,500 to 1,200 hours. The bill is currently awaiting enrollment and transmittal to Governor Kelly Ayotte (R). 



Why this is important: New Hampshire will become the second state to reduce cosmetology training hours this year. SB 194 – introduced at the request of CTE educators – did not receive a dissenting vote in either legislative chamber.  

MARYLAND GOVERNOR SIGNS BILLS

Governor Wes Moore (D) signed HB 1223, HB 1547 and SB 617 into law last week.

HB 1223 and SB 617, effective October 1, 2025, establishes a 100-hour limited license to provide eyelash extension services.

HB 1547, effective January 1, 2026, will require 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.”



Why this is important: HB 1547 was amended by the Senate to allow schools and other approved entities to provide this domestic violence awareness training. As introduced, licensure applicants would have had to obtain the training directly from the state’s Department of Labor.

OKLAHOMA SUNSET BILL RECEIVES FINAL LEGISLATIVE APPROVAL

The Senate voted 31 to 9 last week to pass HB 1030. The enrolled bill, which extends the sunset for the state’s Board of Barbering and Cosmetology until July 1, 2028, has been subsequently transmitted to Governor Kevin Stitt (R).

Why this is important: Legislation must be enacted this year for the state’s Board of Barbering and Cosmetology to remain operational. The Board is currently operating under a one-year grace period after a 2024 sunset extension bill failed to receive a final House vote.

APPRENTICESHIP SUPERVISION BILL ADVANCED IN PENNSYLVANIA

The House Professional Licensure Committee voted unanimously last week to favorably report a bill expanding the types of individuals qualified to instruct an apprentice in a cosmetology salon. According to the sponsor’s memo, “in order for an individual to obtain their cosmetology training within a licensed cosmetology salon as they work to fulfill licensure requirements, they must do so under the direction and supervision of a licensed cosmetology teacher. The Cosmetology Law does not permit a licensed cosmetologist with years of experience in the industry to train apprentices and there is currently not a mechanism in place for salons to apply for a waiver of this requirement.”

Accordingly, HB 87 would allow cosmetologists with at least 10 years of experience to train an apprentice. Additionally, it adds language requiring licensed teachers supervising apprentices to have at least five years of experience as a licensed cosmetologist.

Why this is important: This bipartisan bill, currently eligible for consideration on the House floor, is indicative of state efforts to expand apprenticeship training.

TEXAS HOUSE PASSES LICENSURE COMPACT BILL

Earlier this month, the House of Representatives voted 129 to 6 to pass Texas’ Cosmetology Licensure Compact bill. HB 705 is currently in the Senate Business and Commerce Committee along with its Senate companion – SB 1905.

Why this is important: Texas could be the third state to pass a Cosmetology Licensure Compact bill in 2025. According to the bill’s fiscal note, “there would be a significant cost to the agency related to participation in the licensure compact due to increased responsibilities and fees assessed on the state by the compact commission. Under the provisions of the bill, the compact is created when seven member states enact similar legislation. On June 5, 2024, Colorado became the seventh state to enter into the compact, however the compact has not adopted any bylaws or rules, no shared data system has been developed, no fees established, and no licenses have been issued. As a result, the possible increase in licensee population and the costs of participating in the compact are unknown…In addition, the provisions of the bill authorize the compact commission to assess fees on licensees and on member states. As no fees have been adopted yet by the compact commission, the fee amounts are unknown as is the nature of how those additional fees would interface with existing state fees under current law.”

BILL TRACKING AND QUESTIONS

Please visit our newly enhanced State Legislative Tracking page to access bill text and to see what may be pending in your state(s). Please note that this resource contains bills not listed in this report that may be of interest or concern to your school or business.

Please contact StateGR@myaacs.org with comments or questions.