Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Business & Financial Services Committee

HB 1085

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Brief Description: Creating a hair design license.

Sponsors: Representatives Angel and Kirby.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Creates a hair design license under the authority of the Department of Licensing.

Hearing Date: 1/14/11

Staff: Alison Hellberg (786-7152).

Background:

The Department of Licensing (Department) regulates cosmetology, barbering, manicuring, and esthetics. A person must be licensed to practice these professions. A barber license allows the cutting, trimming, arranging, dressing, curling, shampooing, shaving, and mustache and beard design of the face, neck, and scalp. A cosmetology license allows all these practices, and in addition, allows the following practices involving chemicals: permanent waving, chemical relaxing, straightening, bleaching, lightening, and coloring. The license also allows waxing and tweezing. Finally, the cosmetologist license also allows some of the practices permitted for manicurists and estheticians. To receive a license, a person must meet training requirements and pass an exam. Minimum training hours are:

A reciprocity provision allows a person with the equivalent license in another state to take the examination. The Department prepares and administers the exams, establishes minimum safety and sanitation standards, adopts rules, and otherwise administers the provisions. The Cosmetology, Barbering, Esthetics, and Manicuring Advisory Board (Board) advises the Department. Washington does not have a license that allows barbering and the use of chemicals. To use chemicals, a person must obtain a cosmetology license.

Summary of Bill:

A hair design license is established. A hair design license allows the practices allowed for barbers, the cosmetology practices involving chemicals, and waxing and tweezing. Listed out, these practices are: arranging, dressing, cutting, trimming, styling, shampooing, permanent waving, chemical relaxing, straightening, curling, bleaching, lightening, coloring, waxing, tweezing, shaving, and mustache and beard design of the hair of the face, neck, and scalp; and temporary removal of superfluous hair by use of depilatories, waxing, or tweezing.The education requirement is 1,400 hours.The Board is renamed the Cosmetology, Hair Design, Barbering, Esthetics, and Manicuring Advisory Board.Other changes are made to incorporate the new license.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on January 10, 2011.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.