WashingtonHB 10232025-2026 Regular SessionHouse

Adopting the cosmetology licensure compact.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

9 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 5 mixed.

Cosmetologists gain licenses across state lines

Washington's cosmetology compact provisions take effect June 1, 2028; the compact itself starts when the seventh state enacts it. Eligible cosmetologists get one home-state license to work across member states, reducing the need for separate licenses. Applicants need an active home-state license without restrictions, required training, a competency exam, and required criminal and discipline checks. The home state issues and renews the license, and workers must follow each state's practice rules. Separate single-state licenses remain available, including for nonresidents; holding several does not create multiple multistate licenses.

Shared oversight can stop cosmetologists' practice

Member states must maintain licensing and complaint systems, require training and competency exams, and share licensing and discipline information. Only the home state can discipline the multistate license; other states can restrict practice within their borders. Home-state restrictions deactivate practice rights in other member states until those restrictions are removed. The multistate license is also suspended during participation in an approved alternative program used instead of formal discipline. States can coordinate investigations and use findings from other states; certified commission records are admissible in legal and discipline cases.

State exits end cosmetologists' compact benefits

A state can leave by repealing its compact law; withdrawal takes effect 180 days after enactment. The commission can remove a defaulting state by majority vote after failures to fix the problem and exhausted compliance efforts. Exiting states lose compact benefits but must recognize compact licenses for at least 180 days after the applicable notice to licensees. Withdrawing states must keep reporting investigations and discipline until withdrawal takes effect; leaving does not erase earlier obligations or liabilities.

Military cosmetologists keep home-state license ties

Active-duty military members and their spouses can choose a home state where they hold a current cosmetology license in good standing. They can keep that home-state choice during the member's active-duty assignment. This preserves their home-state licensing pathway during military moves.

Cosmetologists face possible multistate license fees

The compact commission may charge fees for multistate licenses and renewals, and home states may charge their own fees. It may also assess member states annually, using a formula, when other revenue does not cover its approved budget. The law sets no dollar amounts for these fees or assessments. Washington's Department of Licensing must track single-state and multistate license revenues and costs separately.

Moving cosmetologists must reapply and pay

Cosmetologists may have only one home state and one multistate license at a time. After moving their primary home to another member state, they must immediately apply for reissuance, pay fees, and notify their former state. The former state deactivates its multistate license and notifies member states. The new state checks eligibility and may require a background check or state-law test when required for initial licensing. Workers who do not qualify, or move between member and nonmember states, must follow the new state's single-state licensing rules.

Cosmetology records shared but public access limited

The commission must run a shared licensing database and assign unique identifiers to multistate license applicants. States must submit identifying, license, discipline, denial, and nonconfidential alternative-program records, plus investigation indicators, and monitor adverse actions. Investigative information is available only to member states; states can restrict public sharing, and legally expunged records must be removed. Beginning June 1, 2028, Washington exempts compact-shared information from public inspection and copying, alongside protected exam, personnel, and investigative materials. For certain personnel-record requests, agencies must notify employees and unions, allow a 10-day disclosure window, and explain the right to seek a court order blocking release.

New commission manages cosmetology license compact

A joint public commission runs the compact, with one voting delegate appointed by each member state's licensing agency. It can hire staff, enter contracts, collect revenue, and oversee compliance; meetings are generally open, with limited closed sessions. It must secure funds before taking on obligations and obtain an annual financial review by a certified public accountant. Covered officials receive legal defense and protection for official work, including qualifying settlements and judgments, but misconduct exceptions apply. Settlement protection excludes intentional, willful, or wanton misconduct; these protections do not reduce cosmetologists' liability for malpractice or misconduct.

Shared cosmetology rules preserve state practice limits

Commission rules bind member states without separate state rulemaking; the compact replaces state requirements only where they conflict. States keep control over education standards and allowed services, and commission rules cannot override state practice limits. Ordinary rules require public notice and hearings, at least 30 days' notice, and generally 45 days between adoption and taking effect. Emergency rules require at least five days' notice and last up to 90 days, with limited retroactive reach. The commission must provide mediation and binding dispute resolution; commission lawsuits use the designated federal courts.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Cindy Ryu
Democratic • House

Cosponsors

April Berg
Democratic • House
Beth Doglio
Democratic • House
Brandy Donaghy
Democratic • House
Carolyn Eslick
Republican • House
Cyndy Jacobsen
Republican • House
Julia Reed
Democratic • House
Kristine Reeves
Democratic • House
Mari Leavitt
Democratic • House
Suzanne Schmidt
Republican • House
Tarra Simmons
Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 337 • No: 1

House vote • 4/19/2025

Final Passage as Amended by the Senate

Yes: 95 • No: 0 • Other: 3

Senate vote • 4/16/2025

3rd Reading & Final Passage as Amended by the Senate

Yes: 49 • No: 0

House vote • 3/7/2025

Final Passage on Reconsideration

Yes: 97 • No: 0 • Other: 1