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Panel backs bill adding temporary, restricted and retired barber licenses and two nonvoting seats
Summary
The committee approved House Bill 1317, which creates retired, temporary and restricted barber license categories, raises the instructor fee and adds two nonvoting ex officio members to the Barber Board to help with inspections. The bill passed the committee on a roll call after an amendment clarified the new seats would be nonvoting.
Representative Bernie Satrim presented House Bill 1317 on behalf of the North Dakota Barber Board of Examiners. The bill would add three license categories — retired (lower renewal fee), temporary (to allow students who have finished hours but await quarterly testing to work under a master), and a restricted temporary license for students who failed the test and are re-training under supervision.
Amanda Guzman, secretary-treasurer of the Barber Board, explained the retired license would reduce fees for part-time barbers (the board proposed lowering renewals from $100 to $50 for retired licensees). The bill would also increase the instructor license renewal fee (board testimony proposed changing an instructor renewal from $25 to $250) and require continuing education every two years for barbers and instructors. Guzman said the state currently has a little over 300 licensed barbers and the board seeks additional capacity to perform annual inspections.
The original draft added two additional board members to assist with inspections. Representative Koppelman proposed an amendment to specify the positions would be nonvoting ex officio members so they would not dilute governor-appointed voting members. The committee adopted that amendment by voice vote.
After discussion, the committee voted by roll call to give the amended bill a do-pass recommendation. Representative Christie agreed to carry the bill to the House floor.
Why it matters: The bill changes licensing categories and board staffing to expand inspection capacity and provide flexible entry pathways for students and semi-retired practitioners. Supporters argued these changes would help training, inspections and workforce development in the barbering profession.
Next steps: The committee reported HB 1317 as amended with a do-pass recommendation; Representative Christie will carry the bill to the House.
