This bill amends existing law to clarify that the requirements for the closure of private career schools also apply to those licensed by the New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling. Specifically, it defines "private career school" to include schools licensed by the board for teaching cosmetology, hairstyling, beauty culture, barbering, manicuring, hair braiding, skin care specialty, or any other specialty regulated by the board. The bill mandates that these schools must file teach-out plans with the Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development to ensure that students can complete their programs in the event of a school closure.

Additionally, the bill requires the New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling to develop a model teach-out plan, which will be available by September 1, 2023, to assist licensed private career schools in complying with the teach-out plan requirements. This legislation aims to prevent situations like the abrupt closure of the Capri Institute, which left students with institutional debt and no access to their transcripts. By ensuring that teach-out agreements are in place, the bill seeks to protect students' rights and educational opportunities in the event of a school closure. The bill is retroactively effective from September 1, 2021.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 34:15C-10.3