FINAL BILL REPORT

                   SB 5997

                          C 178 L 97

                      Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Requiring periodic inspections for the regulation of cosmetology, barbering, esthetics, and manicuring.

Sponsors:  Senators Haugen, Schow and Fraser.

Senate Committee on Commerce & Labor

Senate Committee on Ways & Means

House Committee on Commerce & Labor

Background:  Under current law, cosmetologists, barbers, estheticians and manicurists, and operators of salons or shops employing such individuals are required to be licensed.  In addition, schools of cosmetology, barbering, esthetics or manicuring, and instructors at such schools are required to be licensed.  Individuals seeking any of the above licenses must meet certain training/education requirements, pass the appropriate exam, and pay a license fee.

The Department of Licensing administers these licensing programs.  Currently, the fee paid by licensees is deposited into the general fund with a portion of these fees returned to the department for implementation of these programs.

The department is not currently required to conduct regular inspections of licensed establishments unless a complaint is received.  Recently, the department began to conduct random inspections of salons and shops to determine compliance with state licensing laws and found numerous violations of these laws.

Summary:  The Department of Licensing must inspect schools of cosmetology, barbering, esthetics and manicuring at least once a year. In addition, the department must inspect cosmetology, barbering, esthetics and manicuring salons and shops at least once every two years.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate 46 2

House     93 5

Effective:  July 27, 1997