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 stipulates that applicants for a cosmetology and hairstyling teaching license must complete 600 hours of instruction in the practice and theory of teaching at a licensed school, while applicants for massage and bodywork therapy licensure must also complete 600 hours of class study in the relevant field.

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 to implement these changes immediately upon filing with the Office of Administrative Law, with a validity period of up to 545 days. This increase in required hours aims to enhance the qualifications of individuals seeking these licenses and to enable them to qualify for certain federal aid.

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