HOUSE BILL REPORT
ESHB 1930
As Passed House:
February 11, 2022
Title: An act relating to license renewals for cosmetologists, hair designers, barbers, manicurists, and estheticians.
Brief Description: Concerning license renewals for cosmetologists, hair designers, barbers, manicurists, and estheticians.
Sponsors: House Committee on Consumer Protection & Business (originally sponsored by Representatives Jacobsen, Sutherland, Dolan, Dent, Griffey, Chase, Riccelli, Chambers, Ryu and Graham).
Brief History:
Committee Activity:
Consumer Protection & Business: 1/26/22, 1/27/22 [DPS].
Floor Activity:
Passed House: 2/11/22, 98-0.
Brief Summary of Engrossed Substitute Bill
  • Allows licensed cosmetologists, hair designers, barbers, manicurists, estheticians, master estheticians, and instructors until June 30, 2023, to renew a license that was expired, or canceled, on or after March 1, 2020.
HOUSE COMMITTEE ON CONSUMER PROTECTION & BUSINESS
Majority Report: The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass.Signed by 7 members:Representatives Kirby, Chair; Walen, Vice Chair; Vick, Ranking Minority Member; Dufault, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Corry, Ryu and Santos.
Staff: Michelle Rusk (786-7153).
Background:

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, and to work as an instructor in these areas.  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.

Summary of Engrossed Substitute Bill:

Licensed cosmetologists, hair designers, barbers, manicurists, estheticians, master estheticians, and instructors whose licenses expired, or were canceled, on or after March 1, 2020, may renew the license before June 30, 2023.

Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(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.  

Persons Testifying: (In support) Representative Cyndy Jacobsen, prime sponsor; and Melissa Purcell, International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees Local 488, Studio Mechanics of the Pacific Northwest.
(Other) D'Arcy Harrison and Michelle Sterling, Cosmetologists of Washington United.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.