SENATE BILL REPORT
HB 2242
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 Reported by Senate Committee On:
Labor, Commerce & Consumer Protection, February 23, 2012
Title: An act relating to requiring the department of licensing to adopt rules to allow online learning for training in the areas of cosmetology, manicuring, barbering, esthetics, and instructor-training.
Brief Description: Requiring the department of licensing to adopt rules regarding online learning for training in cosmetology, manicuring, barbering, esthetics, and instruction.
Sponsors: Representatives Ryu, Jinkins and Miloscia.
Brief History: Passed House: 1/27/12, 95-0.
Committee Activity: Labor, Commerce & Consumer Protection: 2/20/12, 2/23/12 [DPA].
SENATE COMMITTEE ON LABOR, COMMERCE & CONSUMER PROTECTION |
Majority Report: Do pass as amended.
Signed by Senators Kohl-Welles, Chair; Conway, Vice Chair; Holmquist Newbry, Ranking Minority Member; King, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Hewitt, Keiser and Kline.
Staff: Stephanie Christensen (786-7405)
Background: The Department of Licensing (DOL) 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 at a school consist of:
cosmetologist – 1600 hours;
barber – 1000 hours;
manicurist – 600 hours; and
esthetician – 600 hours.
Minimum training hours in an apprenticeship program consist of:
cosmetologist – 2000 hours;
barber – 1200 hours;
manicurist – 800 hours; and
esthetician – 800 hours.
A reciprocity provision allows a person with the equivalent license in another state to take the examination.
DOL:
establishes curricula for the training of students and apprentices;
prepares and administers the exams;
establishes minimum safety and sanitation standards; and
adopts rules and otherwise administers the provisions.
Summary of Bill (Recommended Amendments): A number of findings are made regarding the value of distance or online learning.
Distance or online learning is defined as theory training provided online by a licensed school in the areas of cosmetology, manicuring, barbering, esthetics, and instructor-training.
DOL must adopt rules regarding distance or online learning, including a rule limiting the number of hours of online learning that can be used toward licensing requirements in these professions.
EFFECT OF CHANGES MADE BY LABOR, COMMERCE & CONSUMER PROTECTION COMMITTEE (Recommended Amendments): DOL must adopt a rule limiting the number of hours of online learning that can be used toward licensing requirements in these professions.
DOL must provide the labor committees of the Legislature with an evaluation of online learning programs in these professions no later than January 1, 2015.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony on Original Bill: PRO: There are many benefits associated with online learning. Theory training does not require any hands-on experience, and can be learned online. Online learning is an efficient way for students to complete the theory portion of their training.
OTHER: Schools can choose how to do their theory training. A limit on the number of hours of online learning allowed will likely be created in the rules adopted by DOL.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Ryu, prime sponsor; Steve Lindstrom, N.W. Career Colleges Federation; Jerry Ahern, Gene Juarez Salons & Spas.
OTHER: Susan Colard, DOL.