Cosmetology board seeks first fee increase in decades as opponents urge more financial transparency

The Louisiana State Board of Cosmetology sought a fee increase during the Senate Commerce hearing on May 14, saying the agency has not raised fees for decades and needs revenue to fix building and technology shortfalls.

Representative Brett Butler, presenting House Bill 326, said the board’s fees had not been increased in decades and the agency faces deteriorating facilities and outdated licensing software. Steve Young, the cosmetology board director, told the committee the board’s projected operating revenue for the year is roughly $1.7 million and that without an increase the board’s fund balance will decline “and the year after that, we’re done for.” Young said modern licensing databases “will not even sell the database software for less than $100,000,” and estimated facility work and computer upgrades would require public procurement and likely exceed $100,000.

Board leaders proposed raising annual license fees (testimony referenced a board-approved proposal to raise a $25 fee; testimony discussed raising to $50 in later years). Supporters including Representative Butler argued the state’s cosmetology license fees are well below neighboring states’ typical $50–$80 range and that modest increases would keep testing and instruction competitive.

Opponents pressed for more financial detail before approving an increase. Commenters Reverend Freddie Phillips and Robert Burns — who said he reviewed the legislative auditor’s data and videotaped past board meetings — argued the board already has significant cash reserves (testimony cited a $1.6 million cash balance) and questioned prior legal spending, the pace of repairs and whether the board had explored alternative funding and procurement paths. Burns asked why $157,000 in litigation invoices could not have covered needed repairs and said he found the board’s recent audits to show solid performance.

Senators asked for clearer, itemized cost estimates. Senator Koenig and others repeatedly requested procurement bids and specific line-item figures for software replacement, roof repair and other capital work. Senators suggested interim options such as a temporary or sunset fee increase, a two-year increase to fund capital improvements, or a committee deferral to allow the board to return with audited expense and procurement estimates.

The committee agreed to reconvene and requested detailed financial and audit materials from the board, including current audited statements, a one-time capital-cost estimate and multi-year projections for revenues and expenditures. The board accepted the request and the committee deferred final action to give staff time to review the materials and allow the board to come back next week with updated figures.

What’s next: The committee asked the Cosmetology Board to return with audit and procurement estimates; senators signaled willingness to consider a temporary increase once concrete cost estimates and procurement plans are provided.