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Senate committee approves measure allowing up to half of cosmetology theory to be taught remotely amid sharp debate
Summary
The Senate Education Committee advanced SB580 to permit up to 50% of theory instruction for cosmetology and barber clock‑hour programs to be delivered via distance education, while practicum hours must remain in person. Supporters cited access for single parents and disabled students; school owners and instructors warned of degraded hands‑on skills and accreditation risks.
The Senate Education Committee voted to advance SB580, a permissive bill that would allow cosmetology and barber schools to deliver up to 50% of required theory hours through distance education while keeping the practical practicum in person.
Senator Chesterfield, the sponsor, told the committee the bill does not compel schools to offer distance learning but codifies a permissive option that was used during the COVID emergency. "It is not mandatory at all," she said, emphasizing the measure would allow online theory but preserve hands‑on training for practicums.
Supporters — including students and proprietors of proprietary schools — said hybrid instruction helps students who face transportation, childcare or medical challenges. Thomas Cogman, a student who described himself as disabled, said distance theory let him keep pace with classwork during medical procedures: "The only thing that is different is where I'm sitting at the time," he said, describing a 99% theory grade earned in part online.
School leaders who testified in favor said accredited distance platforms track time and engagement and that accreditation agencies require separate approvals before a school may implement online instruction. Gwen Middleton, a campus president, said her schools saw average course completion rates rise during temporary virtual instruction implemented under CARES Act funding and that third‑party time‑tracking services were used to document student hours.
Opponents, including operators and instructors, warned the proposal risks students’ practical competence and may trigger accreditation or financial‑aid consequences. Paul Wilson, owner of Salon Professional Academy in Sherwood, described experiments in remote haircut instruction during COVID that produced poor retention once students returned to hands‑on lab work. "There are just certain things that you can't do online and then translate that to a practical," he said.
Owners also raised operational concerns about scheduling, contract hours and financial aid eligibility if virtual hours change accreditor determinations; one owner said his institution charges on a per‑hour schedule and that shifting hours could create penalties or administrative problems.
Committee members pressed for clarity that the measure is permissive and not mandatory. Senator Chesterfield confirmed schools would not be forced to offer remote instruction: "If your school doesn't want to do it, don't do it," she said.
After nearly two hours of divided public testimony and member discussion, the committee moved the bill forward on a motion to pass.
The bill now moves to the full Senate for further consideration.
