This bill proposes amendments to the Code of West Virginia regarding the practice of barbering and cosmetology, specifically targeting definitions and licensing requirements. It removes several definitions related to aesthetics, barbering, and cosmetology, while introducing new terms such as "hair braiding," "threading," "blow-dry styling," and "makeup application," which are explicitly stated to not be regulated by the West Virginia Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists. Additionally, the bill modifies the professional license requirements by replacing the moral character clause with a stipulation regarding criminal convictions that may affect an applicant's ability to practice safely.

A significant addition to the code is the establishment of a salon training program, which allows licensed salons to employ individuals without regard to their licensure status for specific services under the supervision of a licensed professional. These unlicensed individuals must complete up to four hours of education on relevant laws and sanitation before providing services. The bill mandates that participating salons comply with various operational standards and disclose to consumers when services are provided by unlicensed individuals. Furthermore, it grants the board the authority to suspend a salon's participation in the program if human health is deemed endangered.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 30-27-3, 30-27-8, 30-27-8c