SPONSOR: Dogan
COMMITTEE ACTION: Voted "Do Pass with HCS" by the Standing Committee on Professional Registration and Licensing by a vote of 9 to 0. Voted "Do Pass" by the Rules-Administrative Oversight Committee by a vote of 11 to 1.
This bill states that individuals who braid hair for profit do not need to obtain a cosmetology license. Instead individuals engaging in braiding need to register with the State Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners. No education or training is required to register, except that the hair braider must complete a self-test on infection control techniques and diseases of the scalp based upon a brochure and informational video to be prepared by the board.
This bill also removes the requirement that applicants for a barber license be free of contagious or infectious diseases. The bill removes the good moral character requirement for cosmetologists and specifies that applicants will be denied licensure if they have been found guilty of any of a set list of offenses. The bill also requires that the board grant a license, without first requiring an examination, to an applicant who holds a license in another state, regardless of whether the licensure requirements in that state are substantially similar to the licensing requirements in Missouri.
This bill prevents any political subdivision from requiring a licensed barber or cosmetologist practicing within a barber or cosmetology shop to obtain a business license.
This bill is similar to HB 230 (2017).
PROPONENTS: Supporters say that this bill will promote economic development and women owned small businesses. The bill will eliminate barriers to economic success.
Testifying for the bill were Representative Dogan; J Kendall Seal, Women's Foundation; and Americans For Prosperity.
OPPONENTS: Those who oppose the bill say that the instructional brochure required in the introduced version of the bill was not sufficient to protect against the spread of infection and disease. Opponents would also like the board to have the authority to investigate complaints against and discipline registered hair braiders.
Testifying against the bill was the Missouri Association of Cosmetology Schools. OTHERS: Others testifying on the bill say that this issue is currently in litigation.
Testifying on the bill was Dave Roland.
Statutes affected: 324.47, 328.25, 328.80, 328.100, 329.10, 329.32, 329.33, 329.40, 329.50, 329.60, 329.70, 329.80, 329.85, 329.130, 329.275