Mississippi 2024 Regular Session

Mississippi House Bill HB655

Introduced
1/26/24  
Refer
1/26/24  

Caption

State Board of Cosmetology and Board of Barbering; merge into one board.

Impact

The legislation is expected to simplify the licensing process for both cosmetologists and barbers, including provisions to revise existing licensing requirements, set penalties for violations, and standardize educational criteria for training institutions. By merging the boards, proponents argue that applicants will face fewer hurdles, leading to a more efficient system that could ultimately benefit consumers. It also anticipates to conduct a review of the board's operations by December 2025 to ensure it meets its mandate effectively.

Summary

House Bill 655 proposes to merge the State Board of Cosmetology and the State Board of Barbering into a single State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering. This consolidation aims to streamline regulatory processes and unify the licensing and educational requirements for both fields under one board. The bill outlines the structure of the new board, including the membership and appointment procedures, and also establishes new requirements for continuing education for practitioners.

Contention

However, the bill has faced concerns regarding the breadth of its changes. Some stakeholders fear that the merger may reduce accountability and outreach efforts that were previously managed separately by the two boards. Notably, the bill repeals numerous existing regulations under the State Board of Barber Examiners, which could lead to potential gaps in regulatory oversight if not appropriately addressed in the newly formed board's structure. The flexibility regarding licensing without a requirement to read, write, and speak English has also drawn attention from advocates who emphasize the need for communication skills in client interactions.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

MS SB2160

State Board of Cosmetology and Board of Barber Examiners; merge into one board.

MS HB314

State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering; create to license and regulate those two occupations.

MS HB513

Board of Barber Examiners and Board of Cosmetology; transfer functions of to Department of Health.

MS SB2066

Board of Cosmetologist; allow special permits for shampooists.

MS SB2582

Board of Cosmetology; increase fines for certain actions and revise licensing requirements and appeals process.

MS HB1596

Appropriation; Cosmetology, Board of.

MS HB1022

State boards and commissions; Department of Finance and Administration travel regulations shall be applicable to all.

MS HB560

School boards; elect members at presidential election for 4-year term.

MS HB1187

Mississippi Real Estate Appraiser Licensing and Certification Board; separate from Mississippi Real Estate Commission and from Mississippi Real Estate Appraisal Board.

MS HB1186

School Boards; authorize to enter into long-term contract for sale of timber on 16th section lands.

Similar Bills

MS HB136

State Board of Cosmetology and Board of Barbering; merge into one board.

MS SB2160

State Board of Cosmetology and Board of Barber Examiners; merge into one board.

MS HB311

Board of Cosmetology; extend date of repealer and make technical changes to licensure law.

MS SB2346

State Board of Cosmetology; revise membership and make technical changes to board and licensee requirements.

MS SB2876

Cosmetology and barbers; merge with changes requested from boards.

MS SB2155

Board of Cosmetology and Board of Barbering; merge into one board and provide various provisions related thereto.

MS HB816

Cosmetology licensure laws; change name of manicurist to nail technician.

MS HB753

State Board of Cosmetology; extend repealer on.