SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6144

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 February 4, 2014

Title: An act relating to cosmetology training and licensure requirements.

Brief Description: Concerning cosmetology training and licensure requirements.

Sponsors: Senators Fain, Angel, McAuliffe, Hill, Benton, Hobbs, Dammeier, Rivers, Schoesler, Tom, Frockt and Kohl-Welles.

Committee Activity: Commerce & Labor: 2/03/14.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE & LABOR

Staff: Jessica Stevenson (786-7465)

Background: Cosmetologists, barbers, manicurists, and estheticians must be licensed by the Department of Licensing (DOL) to practice in Washington. In order to obtain a license, individuals must complete the educational and training requirements and pass an examination.

The school curriculums must include the following minimum hours in a program:

1600 hours for cosmetologists;
1000 hours for barbers;
600 hours for manicurists;
750 hours for estheticians;
either 1200 hours or an esthetician license plus 450 hours of training for master estheticians; and
500 hours for instructor-trainees.

The apprentice training curriculum must include the following minimum hours requirements in a program:

2000 hours for cosmetologists;
1200 hours for barbers;
800 hours for manicurists;
800 hours for estheticians; and
1400 hours for master estheticians.

The examinations must be designed to measure the applicant's knowledge of safe and sanitary practices and may include questions about the laws and regulations for cosmetologists, barbers, manicurists, and estheticians. DOL may adopt a rule for a performance examination in addition to any other examination. DOL must take steps to ensure that after completion of the required course or apprenticeship program, applicants may promptly take the examination and receive the results of the examination.

Summary of Bill: The bill as referred to committee not considered.

Summary of Bill (Proposed Substitute): The director of DOL must provide written and practical practice examinations for cosmetologist, barber, manicurist, and esthetician students prior to the completion of the required training hours. The director of DOL also must provide results of the practice examinations to schools.

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: PRO: Students should have every opportunity to take their exams in order to get jobs. Over the past few years, there have been about 10 percent of students who have not taken the exam to get their license because of anxiety about taking the exam. Practice exams prepare students for the licensing exam, and they provide the instructors feedback on the curriculum. Practice exams give students the opportunity to learn which areas they need to study more for the actual licensing exam.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Jerry Ahern, Gene Juarez Academy; Alex Hur, NW Career Colleges Federation.