State board backs remote meeting rule, emergency-waiver bill and opens apprenticeship overhaul in sunset review

The California State Board of Barbering and Cosmetology met May 19, 2025 in Los Angeles (hybrid). Board president Tanya Fairley opened the meeting and the panel heard updates from Department of Consumer Affairs staff, administrative and enforcement reports, and lengthy discussion and public comment on the board’s apprenticeship program and school oversight. The board took two formal positions on state legislation and directed staff to include a package of apprenticeship reforms in the 2026 sunset report and to assemble a task force to develop recommendations.

Minutes and motions

The board approved the minutes from its Feb. 10, 2025 meeting by roll call (the motion passed; one abstention). The roll call recorded the following: Tanya Fairley — yes; Kelly Funk — yes; Anthony Bertram — yes; Megan Ellis — yes; Dr. Yolanda Jimenez — yes; Colette Kavanaugh — yes; Tamika Miller — yes; Danielle Munoz — abstain; Callie May Pham — yes; Steve Weeks — yes. The board then received routine administrative reports on staffing, licensing pass rates, enforcement caseloads and inspections.

Legislation: SB 470 and SB 641

The board voted to support Senate Bill 470, legislation to preserve hybrid/remote meeting flexibility (the board reported a modest fiscal estimate tied to continued hybrid operations) and to support Senate Bill 641, which would authorize boards to waive certain licensure requirements for licensees and applicants affected by declared emergencies and would also expand collection of email addresses from licensees to facilitate emergency outreach. Both motions passed on roll-call votes with all members present…