SENATE BILL REPORT
HB 1017
As of March 13, 2023
Title: An act relating to expediting licensure for cosmetologists, hair designers, barbers, manicurists, and estheticians.
Brief Description: Expediting licensure for cosmetologists, hair designers, barbers, manicurists, and estheticians.
Sponsors: Representatives Ryu, Leavitt, Chambers, Simmons, Jacobsen, Reed, Graham, Lekanoff, Caldier, Timmons, Reeves, Tharinger, Springer, Thai, Santos and Riccelli.
Brief History: Passed House: 1/25/23, 96-0.
Committee Activity: Labor & Commerce: 3/13/23.
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Permits the director of the Department of Licensing to allow an applicant for a cosmetologist, hair design, barber, manicurist, esthetician, and master esthetician license to register for or take an examination before the applicant has completed the required hours of course instruction, if the applicant is within 100 hours of completion. 
SENATE COMMITTEE ON LABOR & COMMERCE
Staff: Susan Jones (786-7404)
Background:

License Requirements. The Department of Licensing (DOL) regulates a number of businesses and professions by issuing licenses and ensuring compliance with professional standards and laws. DOL regulates and issues licenses to qualified applicants to engage in the commercial practices of cosmetology, hair design, barbering, esthetics, or manicuring. Cosmetology relates to the care of (1) hair on the scalp, face and neck, (2) nails on the hands and feet, and (3) the skin. Barbering, manicuring, and esthetics concern a narrower range of functions within the practice of cosmetology.


Upon completion of a DOL application and payment of a fee, the director must issue the appropriate cosmetologist, hair design, barber, manicurist, esthetician, and master esthetician license to any person who:

  • is at least 17 years of age or older;
  • has completed and graduated from a licensed school in an approved curriculum consisting of the hours of training required for a school curriculum;
  • has successfully completed a state-approved apprenticeship program consisting of the hours of training required for the apprentice training curriculum; and
  • has received a passing grade on the appropriate licensing examination.

 
There are exceptions for persons currently licensed in other states and countries.
 
A person currently licensed may qualify for examination and licensure, after the required examination is passed, in another category if the person has completed the crossover training course. 
  
Exams.  DOL determines the appropriates dates and times for license examinations.  Exams must consist of tests designed to reasonably measure the applicant's knowledge of safe and sanitary practices, and may also include the applicant's knowledge of the related laws and rules. The director may establish by rule a performance exam. The director must establish by rule the minimum passing score for all examinations and the requirements for reexamination of applicants who fail the examination or examinations. The director 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.
 
DOL rules require an applicant to pass both a written and performance exam with a minimum passing score of 75.
Summary of Bill:

The director of DOL may allow an applicant for a cosmetologist, hair design, barber, manicurist, esthetician, and master esthetician license to register for or take an examination before the applicant has completed the required hours of course instruction, if the applicant is within 100 hours of completion. However, the applicant must complete the required hours of course instruction before licensure.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

PRO:  This is a bi-partisan bill allowing DOL to schedule for and take the test. This doesn’t change the requirements. This bill expedites and gets people to work as soon as they are able to. It is good for the community. 

 

There are limited licensing locations. There is an inherent lag between completing the course work and taking the exam. This bill will remove barriers to taking the test and getting licensed.  It can create a two to four month lag. It help students so they don’t have to wait to take the test. They can start working sooner and pay off student debt.  
Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Cindy Ryu, Prime Sponsor; D'Arcy Harrison, Cosmetologists of WA United; Frank Trieu, Evergreen Beauty College; Hannah Govea, Student; Amy Brackenbury, Northwest Career Colleges Federation.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.