This bill amends existing law to clarify that the requirements for the closure of private career schools also apply to certain schools licensed by the New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling. Specifically, it defines "private career school" to include those 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 are treated equitably 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 that private career schools can use when submitting their plans to the commissioner. This model plan is to be made available by September 1, 2023. The 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 facilitate their transition to other educational institutions if their school ceases operations. The bill is effective immediately and retroactively applies to September 1, 2021.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 34:15C-10.3