This bill amends existing laws regarding the powers and duties of the Board of Barbers and Hairdressers and the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development in Alaska. Key changes include the board's new authority to authorize the Department to issue licenses and permits for various practices, including barbering, hairdressing, and esthetics, replacing the previous language that required the board to [APPROVE] the issuance of these licenses. Additionally, the board is granted the ability to refuse to issue licenses, as well as to suspend or revoke them, enhancing its regulatory powers. Further amendments specify that the board must authorize the issuance of licenses to schools of manicuring that meet certain curriculum requirements, while also ensuring that no school can require more than a specified number of hours of instruction related to health, safety, and hygiene before certifying students. The bill is set to take effect immediately upon passage.

Statutes affected:
HB0243A, AM HB 243, introduced 01/09/2026: 08.13.030, 08.13.215, 44.46.020, 08.13.110