The proposed bill seeks to establish the Interstate Cosmetology Licensure Compact in West Virginia, aimed at enhancing the practice and regulation of cosmetology across participating states. The compact's goals include improving public access to cosmetology services, ensuring public health and safety, and alleviating unnecessary licensure burdens. It sets forth requirements for states to join, such as licensing and regulating cosmetology, investigating complaints, and sharing information about licensees. The bill also introduces a framework for multistate licensure, allowing licensed cosmetologists to practice in multiple states while adhering to local laws.

Additionally, the bill creates the Interstate Cosmetology Licensure Compact Commission, which will oversee the compact's implementation, including rulemaking and dispute resolution. The commission will have the authority to conduct investigations, maintain records, and ensure compliance among member states. It is empowered to address defaults by member states and can initiate legal action against the commission in federal court for enforcement of the compact's rules. The bill also outlines the process for member states to withdraw from the compact and emphasizes the importance of a coordinated data system for tracking licensing information. The compact will take effect once enacted by the seventh member state, and its provisions are designed to be severable to maintain validity even if parts are deemed unconstitutional.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 30-27A-1, 30-27A-2, 30-27A-3, 30-27A-4, 30-27A-5, 30-27A-6, 30-27A-7, 30-27A-8, 30-27A-9, 30-27A-10, 30-27A-11, 30-27A-12, 30-27A-13, 30-27A-14, 30-27A-15