The bill amends the Occupational Code to update the licensing requirements for barbers and barber colleges in Michigan. Key changes include lowering the required hours of study from 1,800 to 1,500 for both barber college courses and apprenticeship programs. Additionally, it introduces a new requirement that if the owner of a barbershop conducting an apprenticeship program is not a licensed barber, at least one licensed barber must be present to supervise the apprentice. The bill also specifies that barber colleges must provide a curriculum that includes a minimum of 225 hours of classroom study and 1,275 hours of practical training, while ensuring that student instructors are supervised appropriately.

Furthermore, the bill clarifies that barber colleges and state schools of cosmetology can share facilities and allows students licensed as cosmetologists to substitute up to 1,000 hours of instruction from a cosmetology school for barber training, provided the content is substantially similar. The department is tasked with determining the equivalency of licensure requirements across states and may deny or limit licenses based on disciplinary actions in other jurisdictions. The amendments aim to streamline the licensing process while maintaining educational standards and safety regulations in the barbering profession.

Statutes affected:
Substitute (H-1): 339.1108, 339.1110
House Introduced Bill: 339.1108, 339.1110
As Passed by the House: 339.1108, 339.1110