SENATE BILL REPORT
SSB 5996
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 Passed Senate, February 5, 2014
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, master esthetics, and instructor-training.
Brief Description: Requiring the department of licensing to adopt rules regarding online learning for training in cosmetology, manicuring, barbering, esthetics, master esthetics, and instruction.
Sponsors: Senate Committee on Commerce & Labor (originally sponsored by Senators Angel, Fain and McAuliffe).
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Commerce & Labor: 1/20/14, 1/22/14 [DPS].
Passed Senate: 2/05/14, 46-0.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE & LABOR |
Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5996 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.
Signed by Senators Holmquist Newbry, Chair; Braun, Vice Chair; Conway, Ranking Member; Hasegawa, King and Kohl-Welles.
Staff: Jessica Stevenson (786-7465)
Background: Cosmetologists, barbers, manicurists, and estheticians must all be licensed by the Department of Licensing to practice in Washington. In order to obtain a license, individuals must complete the educational and training requirements and pass an examination. Curriculum is defined as the courses of study taught at a school or in an approved apprenticeship program, established by the Washington State Apprenticeship and Training Council, conducted in an approved salon or shop, and approved by the Department of Licensing.
Summary of Substitute Bill: Curriculum includes courses of study taught online by a school or an approved apprenticeship program. Distance or online learning is defined as theory training for cosmetology, manicuring, barbering, esthetics, master esthetician, and instructor training provided online by a licensed school or an approved apprenticeship program, established by the Washington State Apprenticeship and Training Council.
The Director of the Department of Licensing must adopt rules for distance or online learning. The rules must include a limit on the number of hours of online learning that can be used toward licensing requirements for cosmetology, manicuring, barbering, esthetics, and instructor training. The Department of Licensing must provide an evaluation of distance or online learning for cosmetology, manicuring, barbering, esthetics, master esthetician, and instructor training to the legislative committee that oversees the licensing of these professions no later than January 1, 2016.
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: Online courses offer flexibility for the students' schedules, and it allows them to reduce their travel time and expenses for child care. Many of the programs include a lot of course work, and a significant amount of it can be completed online. Some students would be able to start their education sooner if online courses were available. Online courses will enable more students to complete the programs and graduate on time.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Angel, prime sponsor; Jerry Ahern, Gene Juarez Academy, Vice President of Education; Alex Hur, NW Career Colleges Federation, lobbyist; Kara Wene, Gene Juarez Academy, student; Frank Trieu, Evergreen Beauty College, Director of Education; Kay Moergeli, Evergreen Beauty College, student.