Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Business & Financial Services Committee

HB 2237

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: Concerning cosmetology training and licensure requirements.

Sponsors: Representatives Tarleton, Haler, Pollet, Zeiger, Bergquist and Morrell.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Requires the Department of Licensing to provide examinations to licensure applicants before the completion of the required training.

Hearing Date: 1/24/14

Staff: David Rubenstein (786-7153).

Background:

Cosmetologists, barbers, estheticians, master estheticians, and manicurists are regulated by the Department of Licensing (DOL). The minimum training or apprenticeship hours required for licensure for each practitioner is as follows:

Practitioner

Hours in School; or

Hours in Apprenticeship

Cosmetologist

1,600

2,000

Barber

1,000

1,200

Manicurist

600

800

Esthetician

750

800

Master Esthetician

1,200 hours or esthetician licensure plus 450 hours

1,400

In addition to training or apprenticeship, applicants for licensure must take written and/or practical examinations administered or approved by the DOL. The examinations are designed to test the applicant's knowledge of safe and sanitary practices and may also test on the applicant's knowledge of the law. The DOL is required to ensure that after completion of the required training or apprenticeship, applicants may promptly take the examination(s) and receive their results.

Summary of Bill:

The requirement that the DOL ensure swift examination is eliminated.

Applicants may take the requisite examination before completion of the required training hours, provided all other school or apprenticeship program requirements are met. The DOL may not issue a license until the applicant has completed all the required hours and met the other minimum requirements for licensure.

Summary of Proposed Substitute

The requirement that the DOL ensure swift examination and results is eliminated. The DOL is required to provide practice examinations for students of vocational schools prior to completion of training hours and must provide practice examination results to schools.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested 1/20/14.

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