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Committee eases endorsement for out-of-state cosmetologists; board cites 42,000 licensees and explores DMV photo transfer
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Summary
The committee approved endorsement for out-of-state cosmetology licensees after two years of licensure plus four hours of South Carolina CE.
The House Regulations Administrative Procedures Committee approved a rule allowing endorsement of out‑of‑state cosmetology licensees who have been licensed in another state for at least two years and who complete four hours of South Carolina board‑approved continuing education covering state law, client safety and infection control.
Why it matters: the change is intended to ease workforce mobility for cosmetologists, estheticians and nail technicians—an industry the cosmetology board told the committee includes roughly 42,000 licensees across those professions and about 15,000 barber renewals. Committee members asked whether the change could ease cross-border hiring in areas near Georgia and whether it would create processing delays.
What was said: Holly Beason, the agency liaison, told the committee the change will allow endorsement if an individual has been licensed in good standing for at least two years and completes the required four hours of CE. Holly said the CE requirement mirrors sanitation and infection-control training already required of South Carolina licensees.
Tracy Adams, identified as a cosmetology executive, told the committee the board recently completed renewals and provided the license counts: about 42,000 for cosmetology/esthetics/nail technicians and roughly 15,000 for barbers. Committee members raised concerns about licensing wait times; staff said wait times fluctuate with renewal cycles and that temporary licenses or apprenticeship provisions can apply in some professions.
Context and next steps: the committee discussed a potential memorandum of understanding with the Department of Motor Vehicles to transfer existing DMV photos to board licenses to reduce applicant burden; DMV cooperation was characterized as an ongoing administrative negotiation. The rule passed by roll call and will be implemented by the Cosmetology Board according to its licensing processes.
Ending: Proponents said the change responds to constituent requests and cross-border workforce needs; the committee approved the regulation unanimously.
