This bill amends the requirements for obtaining licensure as a teacher in cosmetology and hairstyling, as well as for massage and bodywork therapists, by increasing the required hours of instruction from 500 to 600 hours. Specifically, the bill inserts language that mandates applicants for a cosmetology and hairstyling teaching license to complete 600 hours of instruction in teaching practices at a licensed school, and similarly, it modifies the requirements for massage and bodywork therapists to reflect the new 600-hour standard in class study.

Additionally, the bill allows the New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling and the New Jersey Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy to adopt necessary regulations immediately upon filing with the Office of Administrative Law, which will remain effective for up to 545 days. This change aims to enhance the qualifications of individuals seeking these licenses and to enable them to qualify for certain federal aid. The act is set to take effect immediately upon passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 45:5B-23, 45:11-60