By Isaiah Artis

On August 8, 2024, the Board of Barbering and Cosmetology (BBC) published notice of its intent to amend Division 9, Title 16 of the California Code of Regulations (CCR) to create consistency for licensing requirements between the statutes and regulations for applicants, licensees, and schools, as set forth in the proposed language. According to the initial statement of reasons, the proposed regulations are the Board’s effort to implement SB 803 (Roth) (Chapter 648, Statutes of 2021), which clarifies course curriculums for barbering, cosmetology, hairstyling, skincare, and nail care. The initial statement of reasons further states that the consistency between statutes and regulations will ensure that only qualified applicants obtain licensure for the benefit of the health and welfare of Californian residents.

In 2021, SB 803 reduced the total hours required in barbering and cosmetology courses to 1,000 hours, codified the minimum amount of instruction required in courses for barbering, cosmetology, hairstyling, skincare, and nail care, repealed the Board’s preapplication program for schools and apprenticeships, and created a new “hairstyling” license type. As a result, BBC initiated this rulemaking, so the CCR reflects the changes made to the Business and Professions Code. In addition to the changes above, the rulemaking would remove all requirements for practical examination and demonstration, references to geographical boundaries for mobile units to operate, and practice requirements for externs.

At its June 24, 2024, teleconference meeting [Agenda Item 2], BBC voted unanimously to adopt the modified text and amendments. The Office of Administrative Law (OAL) provided comments for BBC’s final SB 803 clean-up package. OAL suggested the Board make requirements clear for applicants who need an interpreter for an exam to avoid any misinterpretation of form questions and license denial. No public comments were made in response to adopting the modified text. The Board approved a 15-day comment period after BBC staff’s modified text and authorized the Executive Officer to adopt the regulation if there were no objections or adverse recommendations.

On August 28, 2024, the OAL approved BBC’s regulation to amend Title 16 of the CCR. OAL then filed the action with the Secretary of the State. The new regulations became effective October 1, 2024.