KentuckySB 222025 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

AN ACT relating to licensed professionals.

Sponsored By: Reginald L. Thomas (Democrat)

Signed by Governor

LicensingOccupations and ProfessionsUnited StatesBarbers and CosmetologistsBoards and Commissions

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.

Barber exams available at correctional schools

Barber exams can take place at Department of Corrections facilities that operate licensed barber schools. Board members or designated board staff present at the site can supervise. These exams do not require two or more board members.

More licensing options for beauty professionals

The Kentucky Board of Cosmetology can license applicants holding comparable licenses from another state or U.S. territory. The board must find comparable professional, health, and safety standards, and applicants must pay the required fee. Cosmetologist, nail technician, limited stylist, esthetician, and instructor applicants can retake licensing exams until they pass. There is no limit on retakes. Applicants must wait one month after receiving notice of failure before retaking a written theory test or oral practical demonstration.

Salons get warnings before escalating penalties

The Kentucky Board of Cosmetology must warn otherwise lawful salons before imposing escalating penalties. The warning must describe the violation and required fixes, giving operators a chance to correct it. The board can skip the warning for a documented, verified violation posing an immediate and present public health and safety danger. Knowingly employing an unlicensed person or using that person's services counts as such a danger.

Barber business options bring reporting duties

Kentucky-licensed barbers can obtain shop or mobile-shop licenses by applying and paying the required fee. Licensed shop owners can rent or lease space to independent contract owners. Mobile shops must meet shop and personnel licensing rules when operating or advertising, and are subject to board inspection standards. Operators must notify the board of their location before operating and report location changes. Licensed mobile shops must also submit weekly service itineraries and report location or itinerary changes through a board website system.

Broader safety rules for beauty businesses

The listed sanitation and equipment bans now cover every licensee under Kentucky's cosmetology chapter. They prohibit reusing unwashed towels, using tools before sterilization, and using monomeric methyl methacrylate for artificial nails. Barber shops and mobile barber shops must have a sink with hot and cold running water in the barbering room. The sink rule is no longer limited to shop licenses issued after July 12, 2006. These rules extend client safety protections but can require equipment spending and added compliance work.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Reginald L. Thomas
Democrat • Senate

Cosponsors

D. Yates
Affiliation unavailable

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 156 • No: 4

House vote • 3/14/2025

3rd reading, passed

Yes: 85 • No: 2

Senate vote • 3/14/2025

passed

Yes: 36 • No: 0

Senate vote • 2/27/2025