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Senate approves higher fees for barbering board to maintain independent regulator
Summary
Senators approved Senate Bill 28 to raise licensing and renewal fees for barbering to shore up the self-funded Barbering Board; proponents said the board voted unanimously and membership supports remaining independent rather than merging with cosmetology.
The Senate granted final passage to Senate Bill 28, which raises licensing and renewal fees for barbering to address the board's shortfall and preserve the board's independent operations.
Senator Miskimans, speaking on the bill, said the Barbering Board is funded solely by user fees and has seen revenues fail to keep pace with rising operating costs. He said temporary cost-cutting measures have reduced office hours and staff time, but the board voted unanimously to raise fees to remain solvent. The sponsor told senators the board would run out of funds in the current or next fiscal year if the fee increase fails.
Senator Chris Carr noted longstanding discussions about combining the Barbering Board with the Cosmetology Board but reported barbers expressed a desire to remain independent and were willing to accept higher fees to do so. Carr said the barbering and cosmetology professions have different training and regulatory needs and members preferred to retain their own board.
Senate final passage was by roll call; the tally reported 32 yeas, 2 nays, and 1 excused. The president declared the bill passed and the title was deemed correct.
