State Update - May 28

May 28, 2025

HEADLINES

• Establishment Training Programs Approved in Iowa
• Oklahoma Governor Vetoes Sunset Extension Bill
• Legislative Updates from Illinois, New York, Texas, and Vermont 

THIS WEEK IN THE STATES

The week after Memorial Day finds 24 state legislatures in session or actively meeting. Over the next two weeks, the following seven state legislatures are scheduled to adjourn for 2025: Connecticut (June 4), Florida (June 6), Illinois (May 31), Missouri (May 30), Oklahoma (May 30), Texas (June 2), and Vermont (May 30). 

IOWA APPROVES REVISED ESTABLISHMENT TRAINING PROGRAM BILL

In the final day of Iowa’s 2025 legislative session, HF 711 was returned to the state’s House of Representatives and amended to create a 2,000-hour establishment training program.

The measure states, “an establishment that registers with the board may employ persons, without regard to the person’s licensure status, to provide services that would otherwise require a license under this chapter under the supervision of a licensee who regularly provides those services. A person providing services without a license must first complete two hours of education related to barbering and cosmetology laws in this state and rules and sanitation, as determined by the board by rule, before offering services permitted under the program. The establishment owner is responsible for ensuring the education, training, skills, and competence of persons who provide services in the owner’s establishment.”

It also contains language allowing the Board of Barbering and Cosmetology to “approve a course of study allowing a student to simultaneously study for licenses to practice both esthetics and nail technology.”

The House voted 74 to 12 pass the bill. The Senate subsequently voted 39 to 6 to concur with the House amendments, thus clearing the bill for enrollment and transmittal to Governor Kim Reynolds (R).

Why this is important: HF 711 bill had many twists and turns over the last couple of weeks. It was introduced as an establishment training bill and ended up as an establishment training bill, albeit with a critical amendment requiring 2,000 hours of training before sitting for the relevant licensure examination. According to the Iowa Barber and Cosmetology School Association, “the new training program mirrors the current [U.S. Department of Labor] apprenticeship program and will require the Board to promulgate rules before it can be implemented.”

Senate-passed language creating a 600-hour barber stylist license was not in the current/final version ultimately approved by both legislative chambers.  

OKLAHOMA SUNSET BILL VETOED

Governor Kevin Stitt (R) vetoed HB 1030 earlier this month. In his veto message, the Governor stated the State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering should be restructured or consolidated under a more appropriate umbrella. “Before granting another sunset extension, the Legislature should take a step back and ask: What does this Board really need to do, and who should be in charge of it? Until the Board becomes more transparent, responsive, and aligned with the needs of today’s workforce, its continued existence should not be taken for granted. For these reasons, I have vetoed Enrolled House Bill 1030.”

Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond (R) is urging legislators to override the Governor's veto. He indicated that the board would go away if the veto stood, along with licensing in Oklahoma.

Legislators, including House Administrative Rules Committee Chairman Gerrid Kendrix (R), however, have said that without an override barbering and cosmetology licensing would transfer to the state’s Office of Management and Enterprise Services. According to a KOCO News report, “OMES agreed, pointing to a state statute that says it would take over any function of an entity terminated until other provisions are made by the Legislature.” 

Oklahoma beauty industry professionals rallied at the State Capitol last week to urge legislators to override the Governor’s veto. Their sentiments were captured by Nina Chukwu, a licensed cosmetologist, who stated in a recently published op-ed, “the idea that the beauty industry no longer needs its own regulatory board, led by professionals who understand our tools, our ethics, and our responsibilities, is an insult to the 80,000 licensed barbers, estheticians, manicurists, instructors and school owners across this state. Would we allow non-doctors to oversee the Medical Licensure and Supervision Board? No. Then out of that same respect, why would we allow anyone other than licensed professionals to oversee an industry that directly impacts the health and hygiene of the public?

Gov. Stitt’s veto of House Bill 1030 sends a dangerous message that proper training and safety standards don’t matter. But they do. And every legislator in Oklahoma needs to hear from us, the professionals and the public, that we care.”

Why this is important: Oklahoma’s legislature is in session only until May 30, 2025. Without a veto override or legislative compromise, the Board of Cosmetology and Barbering will sunset on June 30, 2025. At a minimum, this will lead to uncertainty – and possible litigation – as the Attorney General, and the Governor and state legislators disagree if there is statutory authority for continued licensure. 

ILLINOIS SUNSET BILL RECEIVES FINAL LEGISLATIVE PASSAGE

A bill to extend the sunset of the state’s Barber, Cosmetology, Esthetics, Hair Braiding, and Nail Technology Act until January 1, 2031, received final legislative approval last week with the House voting unanimously (113 to 0) to pass the bill. SB 2495, which will soon be transmitted to Governor JB Pritzker (D) for signature into law, did not receive a dissenting vote in either legislative chamber.

In addition to the sunset extension, the bill adds language allowing the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation to review a school’s enrollment agreement and curricula “to ensure compliance requirements of this Act, any applicable rules, and other applicable laws. The Department may also inspect the school premises and school records for requirements of this Act and any applicable rules.”

Why this is important: In addition to extending the sunset of the state’s practice Act, SB 2495 makes technical updates to align with current professional practices and technological advancements in the beauty industry.

NEW YORK STATE BILLS ON THE MOVE

The Assembly voted unanimously last week pass A7301. The measure, currently in the Senate Consumer Protection Committee, would require salons and other appearance enhancement businesses to display a poster about sexual and domestic violence awareness.

A1916 was favorably reported from the Assembly Economic Development Committee last week. The bill provides for the licensure of laser hair removal technicians in the Empire State. Training requirements would be established by rules and regulations promulgated by the Secretary of State, in consultation with the Commissioner of Health and the Appearance Enhancement Advisory Committee. The measure is currently in the Assembly Codes Committee.

Why this is important: Both issues have been the focus of recent state legislation. Oklahoma promulgated a Laser Hair Removal Act last year that stipulates 40-hours of instruction for laser practitioners and physician involvement in complication management.

TEXAS COMPACT BILL NEARS FINISH LINE

A Cosmetology Licensure Compact bill – HB 705 – is currently eligible for consideration on the Senate floor after the Senate Business and Commerce Committee favorably reported the measure last week without amendments. 

Other notable news from Texas includes, SB 378 receiving final legislative passage last week with a 107 to 39 vote by the House of Representatives. The bill would prohibit barbering and cosmetology licensees from making “an incision into the dermis layer of a person’s skin” or from using a device ordered or prescribed by a medical practitioner.

Governor Greg Abbott (R) signed SB 703 into law last week. The Act – effective September 1, 2025 – broadens the list criminal offenses that can disqualify an individual from obtaining or maintaining a massage therapy license. 

Why this is important: Texas’ Cosmetology Licensure Compact bill is nearing the finish line in the closing days of the state’s 2025 legislative session. If passed and signed into law, Texas will become the third state to enact the Compact in 2025. The measure contains a September 1, 2026, effective date.



SB 378 is intended to address "Botox parties" during which estheticians and cosmetologists are administering unauthorized injections to friends and family. The legislation is necessary as current statute is silent on whether TDLR has the authority to discipline the licensed esthetician or cosmetologist who made the violation.

VERMONT SENATE APPROVES TEXTURED HAIR TRAINING

The Senate passed H472 last week by voice-vote. The occupational reform bill has three provisions of possible interest.

First, it requires Vermont barbering and cosmetology schools to provide training “on the care, styling, and treatment of textured hair,” including:

(A) techniques for cutting, styling, and chemical treatments for textured hair;

(B) knowledge of products and tools specifically designed for textured hair;

(C) best practices for hair health and scalp care for clients with textured hair; and

(D) cultural competency and historical education on the significance of textured hair in diverse communities.  

Second, it reinstates the $200 electrology shop fee.

Finally, the measure requires the Office of Professional Regulation, in consultation with interested stakeholders, to submit a report by November 15, 2025, containing proposed legislation for the regulation and possible licensure of massage therapy establishments.

Why this is important: Vermont is likely to join California, Connecticut, Louisiana, Minnesota, New York, and Washington in requiring textured hair training.  

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.