SB 6279

SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 6279

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.

As of January 21, 2008

Background: Individuals seeking a license as a cosmetologist, barber, manicurist, or esthetician must be at least 17 years old, graduate with the requisite number of training hours from an approved school licensed by the Department of Licensing (DOL), and receive a passing grade on the appropriate licensing exam.

In 2003, the Legislature created a cosmetology apprenticeship pilot program. Individuals seeking a cosmetologist license could complete the apprenticeship program rather than attend an approved cosmetology school. The original pilot program expired in 2006. In 2006, the Legislature extended the pilot program expiration date to July 1, 2008, and required the program's advisory committee to submit a report, including an evaluation of the effectiveness of the program, to the appropriate committees of the Legislature by December 31, 2007.

Summary of Bill: The expiration date on the cosmetology apprenticeship pilot program is removed, making the program permanent.

Salons and shops participating in the apprenticeship program must be approved by the Washington State Apprenticeship and Training Council, provide DOL with the names of all individuals acting as apprentice trainers, and post a notice in the reception area informing consumers that services may be provided by an apprentice. Apprentice trainers must be licensed in the practice for which the person is providing the training for at least three years.

DOL must audit and inspect apprenticeship shops annually, and when DOL determines a shop is not meeting required standards, written notice must be given to the apprentice program and shop. A shop that fails to correct the conditions listed in the notice is subject to penalties imposed under the Uniform Regulation of Business and Professions Act.

Apprenticeship program curriculum must include at least 2,000 hours of training for a cosmetologist; 1,200 hours for a barber; 800 hours for a manicurist; and 800 hours for an esthetician. Apprenticeship programs must prepare monthly reports of daily activities and the number of hours completed. The monthly reports must be provided to the apprentice, kept on file by the program for three years, and are subject to annual audit by DOL.

The definition of "instructor" is amended to include individuals who provide classroom theory training to apprentices in locations other than a school. Instructors in approved apprenticeship programs must be competent as defined by the Washington State Apprenticeship and Training Council.

A representative from an approved apprenticeship program conducted in an approved salon/shop is added to the state cosmetology, barbering, esthetics, and manicuring advisory board.

An enrolled apprentice may practice commercially as required for the apprenticeship program.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.