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 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 for private career schools, which must be available by September 1, 2023. This initiative aims to prevent situations like the abrupt closure of the Capri Institute, which left many students with institutional debt and no access to their transcripts. By ensuring that schools have a structured plan in place for potential closures, the bill seeks to protect students' rights and educational opportunities. The bill is effective immediately and applies retroactively to September 1, 2021.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 34:15C-10.3