In June, the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) relaxed the autoclaving requirement it had passed in 2006, but never fully enforced. The original bill required nail salons to use autoclaves to sterilize all non-disposable nail implements. Signed by Governor Rick Perry on June 16, the new law (House Bill 2106) has two significant changes.

While it still mandates sterilization of instruments used to provide nail services, it allows four options: autoclave, dry heat, ultraviolet light, and “any method approved by the department.” However, there is no talk of allowing any other type of sterilization beyond the first three options, according to TDLR spokesperson Patrick Shaughnessy. Additionally, the prior law required sterilization of all non-disposable implements used to provide nail services. The new law requires sterilization of metal instruments only.