The Department of Licensing (DOL) regulates a number of businesses and professions. For regulated professions, the DOL issues licenses and ensures compliance with professional standards and laws. Cosmetology relates to the care of: (1) hair on the scalp, face, and neck; (2) nails on the hands and feet; and (3) the skin. Barbering, manicuring, and esthetics concern a narrower range of functions within the practice of cosmetology. The DOL regulates all of these professions.
The DOL issues licenses to qualified applicants to engage in the commercial practices of cosmetology, hair design, barbering, esthetics, or manicuring. These licenses expire two years after issuance. Failure to renew a license before it expires subjects the licensee to a penalty fee and payment of each year's renewal fee. Generally, a license that is not renewed within one year after its expiration date is canceled, and the person seeking to renew such a license will be required to meet the same standards as a new applicant.
Licensed cosmetologists, hair designers, barbers, manicurists, and estheticians whose licenses expired, or were canceled, after March 1, 2020, may renew the license before June 30, 2023.
The substitute bill reinstates the one-year time period to renew a cosmetology or similar license after it expires but before it is canceled, but allows a person until June 30, 2023, to renew a license that expired, or was canceled, after March 1, 2020.
(In support) The film industry employs hair stylists, some licensed and some not, and it would be helpful to have clarity on how licensing in Washington intersects with our industry, and also how the employer/employee relationship in the industry fits in here.
(Opposed) None.
(Other) A more temporary adjustment with respect to expired licenses during the pandemic is appropriate. The industry prides itself on its responsibility and taking care of people, and members are encouraged to keep licensing up to date. Licensees have reported some issues with renewals and it is important to address those and modernize licensing and the renewal process. There are concerns with how House Bill 1930 would address these issues, and a more data-driven proposal is preferable, addressing regulatory inefficiencies instead of a singular increase in expirations or cancellations. If amended, the bill could immediately help people who have had their license expire during COVID-19 but also allow the industry to be involved with permanent changes.