HB14 Alabama 2015 Session

Updated Feb 24, 2026

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Randall Shedd
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2015
Title: Cosmetology and Barbering, Alabama Board of, schools of cosmetology and barbering, definition of Class 1 barber, provide training programs above secondary level, exempt Class 1 barbers from licensure by board, Secs. 34-7B-1, 34-7B-2, 34-7B-7, 34-7B-13, 34-7B-17, 34-7B-26 am'd.
Summary: HB14 defines Class 1 and Class 2 barbers and exempts Class 1 barbers from licensure by the Alabama Board of Cosmetology and Barbering.
What This Bill Does
It clarifies the difference between Class 1 barbering (cosmetic-focused work) and Class 2 barbering (general barbering for payment). It exempts Class 1 barbers from board licensure, including a grandfather option for those who practiced as Class 1 barbers for at least 10 years before August 1, 2013. It requires Class 2 barbers to be licensed and sets specific qualifications (age, education, clock hours, supervised experience) and renewal rules. It also imposes licensing, bonding, insurance, and staffing requirements on barber schools and shops, and specifies initial license fees and display requirements.

Who It Affects
Class 1 barbers who perform only the defined cosmetic hair and scalp services will generally not need board licensure (with a grandfather exemption for those who have practiced as Class 1 barbers for at least 10 years as of August 1, 2013).
Aspiring and current Class 2 barbers must meet new licensure requirements (age 16+, at least 10th grade, 1,000 hours in a school or 2,000 hours under a licensed Class 2 barber with five years of licensing).
Owners and operators of barber shops and barber schools face new licensing, bonding, insurance, and facility requirements, plus ongoing staffing and recordkeeping rules.
Barber schools must adhere to curriculum, instructor staffing, hours, and transcript requirements, and must maintain financial and contractual paperwork for students.
The general public may see increased board oversight to ensure services are provided by licensed professionals.

Key Provisions
Class 1 barber defined as someone who only does cosmetic hair/skin-related work (no disease treatment) and Class 2 barber defined as any other barbering practice for compensation.
Class 1 barbers are exempt from licensure by the board, with a grandfather provision for those who have practiced as Class 1 barbers for at least 10 years prior to August 1, 2013.
Class 2 barber licensure requires: at least 16 years old, at least 10th-grade education, and either 1,000 clock hours in a licensed school or 2,000 clock hours under a licensed Class 2 barber with five years of license experience (grandfather provisions apply for those operating before 2013).
Personal licenses (except Class 2) expire on the last day of the licensee's birth month in odd-numbered years; Class 2 barber licenses expire in even-numbered years; renewal and late fees apply.
Initial shop and school licenses have specific fees (e.g., $150 for a Class 2 barber shop, $300 for a school) and must be renewed with similar terms as other board licenses.
Barber schools must provide a $50,000 bond, liability insurance, financial statements, equipment lists, student contracts, affidavits, and must maintain student records, instructor staffing, and curricula with official transcripts for completed programs.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Cosmetology and Barbering, Alabama Board of