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LCI committee reports Tova Lewis favorably for State Board of Cosmetology
Summary
Tova Lewis, a nail technician and instructor, was screened and the committee gave a favorable recommendation to her initial appointment to the State Board of Cosmetology after questions about duty of care and licensure standards.
Tova Lewis, a licensed nail technician of 17 years and a licensed instructor, was reported favorably by the Labor, Commerce and Industry committee for an initial appointment to the State Board of Cosmetology (term starting 03/20/2025 and expiring March 2029).
Lewis told the committee she teaches infection control and sanitation and is active in her local schools' PTO. "To the public, to our clients. That's what I believe" are the primary duty‑of‑care obligations for board members, she said when asked who the board should protect.
Senators explored the policy rationale for licensure. A member asked whether licensure can operate as a barrier that protects incumbents; Lewis said she supports licensing because it assures that practitioners receive education and follow safety and sanitation standards. She noted that continuing education rules were changed in 2021 to require four hours tied to safety, sanitation and board laws. "If they're allowed to work with us, no one knows if they're following those protocols," Lewis said, arguing that licensure helps protect consumers.
Committee staff confirmed Lewis's paperwork, including a SLED background check and statement of economic interest. After a brief member discussion, the committee moved and seconded a favorable report; the transcript records a voice vote in favor.
Votes at a glance: Favorable recommendation for Tova Lewis for State Board of Cosmetology (motion moved and seconded; outcome: approved by voice vote).
