Powell's Cosmetology Reform Act Receives Committee Hearing

COLUMBUS – The Cosmetology Reform Act (House Bill 277) today received its second hearing in the Ohio House Commerce and Labor Committee. The bill, sponsored by State Rep. Jena Powell (R-Arcanum), is a comprehensive reform to Ohio’s cosmetology and barber licensing laws.

“We have an opportunity here to remove barriers to success for Ohio’s aspiring cosmetologists and barbers, to help them start earning money for their hard work, and to reduce the financial burden of cosmetology or barber school,” said Powell.

The bill aims accomplish three main goals: helping students enter the beauty industry with less debt and greater ability to repay student loans, removing barriers to success for aspiring cosmetologists and barbers, especially women and minorities, and creating a more flexible education and testing scenario (especially in light of COVID-19). 

Among the main provisions of the bill are conditions lowering the hour requirements for individuals seeking cosmetology or barber licenses, and allowing barber and cosmetology schools to utilize distance learning or classroom education for fulfilling education requirements. 

“I am on a mission to make Ohio the most business-friendly state in the nation. One of the biggest steps we can take in that direction is to stop overregulating individuals in our state,” added Powell.

H.B. 277 now awaits additional committee hearings.