The proposed bill seeks to modernize the licensing framework for cosmetology, nail technology, and esthetics in South Dakota by establishing new categories for basic and advanced esthetics licenses. It introduces definitions for "advanced esthetician" and "basic esthetician," delineating the specific practices each licensee may perform, with advanced estheticians allowed to conduct more complex procedures. The bill also clarifies the roles of nail technicians and instructors, and it specifies that individuals engaged solely in natural hair braiding do not require a license. Additionally, the bill modifies the structure of the Cosmetology Commission to include both licensed professionals and lay members, emphasizing the importance of education and training for licensees.

Key amendments include the introduction of a temporary permit for cosmetology and esthetics examinations, the establishment of specific educational and examination requirements for the new esthetics licenses, and the repeal of certain sections related to licensing examinations and renewal processes. The bill also outlines the conditions under which apprentices can operate and transfer between salons, while ensuring that all practitioners maintain compliance with sanitary standards and commission regulations. Notably, the Act is set to become effective on January 1, 2027, marking a significant shift in the regulatory landscape for beauty professionals in the state.

Statutes affected:
Introduced, 01/27/2026: 36-15-1, 36-15-1.1, 36-15-2, 36-15-2.2, 36-15-2.3, 36-15-3, 36-15-4, 36-15-13, 36-15-13.2, 36-15-14, 36-15-16, 36-15-17, 36-15-17.1, 36-15-19, 36-15-19.2, 36-15-20, 36-15-22, 36-15-25, 36-15-29, 36-15-29.1, 36-15-29.3, 36-15-33, 36-15-34, 36-15-42, 36-15-45, 36-15-47, 36-15-47.1, 36-15-48.1, 36-15-50, 36-15-50.1, 36-15-51, 36-15-51.3, 36-15-54, 36-15-56, 36-15-60, 36-15-61, 36-15-2.4, 36-15-4.1, 36-15-15, 36-15-16.1, 36-15-17.2, 36-15-19.1, 36-15-19.3, 36-15-19.5
House Commerce and Energy Engrossed, 02/09/2026: 36-15-1, 36-15-1.1, 36-15-2, 36-15-2.2, 36-15-2.3, 36-15-3, 36-15-4, 36-15-13, 36-15-13.2, 36-15-14, 36-15-16, 36-15-17, 36-15-17.1, 36-15-19, 36-15-19.2, 36-15-20, 36-15-22, 36-15-25, 36-15-29, 36-15-29.1, 36-15-29.3, 36-15-33, 36-15-34, 36-15-42, 36-15-45, 36-15-47, 36-15-47.1, 36-15-48.1, 36-15-50, 36-15-50.1, 36-15-51, 36-15-51.3, 36-15-54, 36-15-56, 36-15-60, 36-15-61, 36-15-2.4, 36-15-4.1, 36-15-15, 36-15-16.1, 36-15-17.2, 36-15-19.1, 36-15-19.3, 36-15-19.5