Wisconsin Drops Continuing Education Requirements for Cosmetologists

Four pieces of legislation passed in Wisconsin this week have loosened education and license requirements for Wisconsin cosmetologists. AB 164 & 167 and SB 108 & 109 were signed into law on Tuesday. Included in them is:

• Elimination of continuing education requirements for cosmetologists, aestheticians, manicurists and barbers
• Full reciprocity for any professional holding a current cosmetology or barbering license. (This ditches the requirement that a licensed cosmetologist in another state must complete 4,000 hours of training in order to be granted a license in Wisconsin.)
• Authorization for cosmetologists to work outside the salon, at events such as at weddings or in homes.
• Elimination of the manager’s license, allowing businesses to hire a wider range of managers. 
• Elimination of the instructor’s license, allowing schools to hire a wider range of instructors (and also making it easier for out-of-state professionals to get licensed in Wisconsin.)

Proponents of the new bills say the previous requirements had anti-consumer, anti-entrepreneurial effects that hurt people just getting started in the industry.

The Professional Beauty Association (PBA) is supportive of the bills’ passage. “These important reforms create career opportunities, protect our students from excessive debt, guide students into the workforce faster, support our licensed professionals and helping employers meet the demands of a growing industry,” says Bridget Sharpe, PBA’s Government Affairs and Industry Relations Manager. “Accomplishing these goals requires streamlining of standards relating to licensing, education, and testing while maintaining high standards for health and public safety.”

You can learn more about these bills, and the bills in your state, by visiting: probeauty.org/stateleg.

What are your thoughts on AB 164 & 167 and SB 108 & 109? Weigh in here.