The Professional Beauty Association (PBA) has issued an action alert to oppose deregulation in both Illinois and Michigan, as well as to oppose the severe reduction of cosmetology licensing hours proposed in Rhode Island. PBA believes this legislation puts consumer safety at risk, and encourages action opposing these bills in each of these states.

Illinois Deregulation:

Illinois House Bill 5558 introduced by Representative Allen Skillicorn will allow any individual to practice cosmetology, esthetics, nail technology, and barbering without a license.

Michigan Deregulation:

Representative Steven Johnson has introduced Michigan House Bill 5438, which, if passed, will completely deregulate barbering. Johnson has shared, “This license is an unnecessary regulation and does nothing to protect public safety.”

Rhode Island Cosmetology Hour Reduction:

State representative Evan Shanley has introduced House Bill 7484 which drastically reduces cosmetology educational requirements. Under this Bill, cosmetology education hours will be reduced from 1500 to 600, manicurist hours from 300 to 200, esthetics hours from 600 to 300, and barbering from 1500 to 600 hours.

This legislation is a detriment, says PBA Government Affairs Director Myra Reddy: “Deregulation of occupational licensing for the professional beauty industry places both the consumer and those providing services at a real health risk. A reduction of hours damages the longevity of a legitimate career path. Occupational licensing of beauty professionals is not a barrier to work, instead the requirement of an education allows for lifelong stable career that cannot be outsourced and supports our U.S. economy.”

To take action:

Illinois residents can click on the link below via the Professional Beauty Association to send an email to these officials with one click:
https://p2a.co/sK4BJuA

Michigan residents can click on the link below via the Professional Beauty Association to send an email to these officials with one click:
https://p2a.co/g5a9V31

Rhode Island residents can click on the link below via the Professional Beauty Association to send an email to these officials with one click:
https://p2a.co/V8wFE2s

For more information, go to www.probeauty.org.