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