Sen. David Waters proposes task force to study northern cosmetology CTE pathway and college partnerships

Sen. David Waters introduced SB 531 to create a task force to study the feasibility and potential design of cosmetology-related programs in northern New Hampshire, and to modify statutory language so the commissioner of education can designate programs located on community college campuses or jointly established with career and technical education (CTE) centers.

Waters said the bill responds to recent statutory changes that reduced required cosmetology training hours from 1,500 to 1,200, which can enable students to complete licensing-ready training through CTE and community-college partnerships. He argued that cosmetology programs can be economic drivers in rural areas by creating local entrepreneurs and high-impact short-term workforce pathways.

Representatives from the community college system (Christine Dudley and Annette Cole) described collaboration models, funding and sustainability concerns, and barriers such as travel, housing and staffing in the north country. Danielle Demurs, a CTE director in Berlin, raised concerns that the bill could reduce local decision‑making, risk precedent for statewide program placement without local needs assessments, and open possibilities for offsite or for‑profit locations.

The Department of Education offered a representative for questions. The committee closed testimony and will consider how to balance statewide workforce goals with local program needs and governance in further deliberations.