WEST VIRGINIA LEGISLATURE

2022 REGULAR SESSION

Introduced

House Bill 4594

By Delegate Walker

[Introduced February 09, 2022; Referred to the Committee on Government Organization]

A BILL to amend the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, by adding thereto a new section, designated §30-27-8c, relating to providing the Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists the authority to establish an apprenticeship program for cosmetologists; providing for licensing requirements and fees; and authorizing rulemaking.

Be it enacted by the Legislature of West Virginia:

ARTICLE 27. BOARD OF BARBERS AND COSMETOLOGISTS.

§30-27-8c. Cosmetologist apprentice.

(a) The board shall establish an apprenticeship program to become a cosmetologist. A cosmetologist apprentice shall work at all times under the direct supervision of a licensed cosmetologist, and any permit issued by the board to work as a cosmetologist apprentice does not allow a person to practice individually as a cosmetologist.

(b) An applicant for a cosmetologist apprenticeship shall present satisfactory evidence that he or she:

(1) Is at least 16 years of age;

(2) Is of good moral character;

(3) Is in high school, has a high school diploma or its equivalent, such as a GED, or has passed the “ability to benefit test” approved by the United States Department of Education;

(4) Has paid the applicable fee;

(5) Has a certificate of health from a licensed physician;

(6) Is a citizen of the United States or is eligible for employment in the United States; and

(7) Has fulfilled any other requirement specified by the board.

(c) An applicant for a sponsor of a cosmetologist apprentice shall present satisfactory evidence that he or she:

(1) Is licensed as a cosmetologist under the provisions of this article;

(2) Has paid the applicable fee; and

(3) Has fulfilled any other requirement specified by the board.

(d) A sponsor of a cosmetologist apprentice shall be a currently licensed cosmetologist with at least five years experience who has worked in a shop for the last five years.

(e) The board may propose rules for legislative approval, in accordance with the provisions of §29A-3-1 et seq. of this code, to implement the provisions of this section, including requirements for:

(1) The cosmetologist apprenticeship permit requirements;

(2) Licensed cosmetologists eligibility to sponsor a cosmetologist apprentice;

(3) Procedures for an examination; and

(4) Fees for the apprentice and sponsorship licenses.

NOTE: The purpose of this bill is to direct the Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists to establish an apprenticeship program for cosmetologists.

Strike-throughs indicate language that would be stricken from a heading or the present law and underscoring indicates new language that would be added.