The bill proposes that New Jersey join the Cosmetology Licensure Compact, which aims to streamline the practice and regulation of cosmetology across member states. This compact is designed to improve public access to cosmetology services, enhance public health and safety, and support military personnel and their families. It establishes a multistate licensing framework that allows licensed cosmetologists to practice in any member state while ensuring compliance with local laws. To maintain membership, New Jersey must adhere to specific requirements, including licensing and regulating cosmetology, investigating complaints, and ensuring that licensees pass competency examinations. The compact also allows for the issuance of multistate licenses recognized by all member states, while emphasizing that each state retains the authority to set its own educational and professional licensure requirements.

Additionally, the bill creates the Cosmetology Licensure Compact Commission, which will oversee the administration of the compact and is composed of delegates from each member state. The Commission is empowered to establish rules, maintain financial records, conduct investigations, and develop a coordinated database for tracking licensure data and adverse actions against licensees. The bill includes provisions for disciplinary orders affecting multistate licenses, allowing for alternative programs in lieu of adverse actions, and mandates transparency through public meetings and annual reports. It also outlines the process for member states to withdraw from the compact and emphasizes the importance of monitoring adverse actions while maintaining confidentiality and ensuring public input in rulemaking.