HB285 Alabama 2015 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Elaine Beech

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2015

Title

Cosmetology and Barbering, Alabama Board of, schools of cosmetology and barbering, provide training programs above secondary level, Secs. 34-7B-1, 34-7B-26 am'd.

Summary

HB285 clarifies that schools of cosmetology and barbering are postsecondary programs and hardens licensing rules for these schools in Alabama.

What This Bill Does

The bill defines 'school' as a postsecondary training establishment licensed or registered to teach cosmetology or barbering. It requires such schools to be licensed by the board to offer postsecondary programs and imposes financial, insurance, and contractual prerequisites. It also sets admission, facility, staffing, record-keeping, curriculum, and transcript requirements to maintain licensure, and gives the board authority to approve or deny the sale or transfer of a school. Additionally, it notes that schools teaching only certain practices must still meet key requirements.

Who It Affects

• Schools and their owners/operators that offer or plan to offer postsecondary cosmetology or barbering programs; they must meet new licensure, financial, staffing, facility, and record-keeping requirements.
• Prospective students enrolling in postsecondary cosmetology or barbering programs; they gain protections such as bonds, contracts, and transcripts, and must meet admission criteria.

Key Provisions

• Defines 'SCHOOL' as an establishment licensed or registered by the board to teach postsecondary training programs above the secondary level for barbering or cosmetology.
• Requires schools offering postsecondary programs to be licensed by name to offer those programs.
• Imposes licensure prerequisites: a $50,000 bond, proof of liability insurance, a current financial statement (or letter of credit), equipment lists, sample student contracts, and affidavits from prospective students.
• Requires admission standards: regular students must have a high school diploma or equivalent, or be above mandatory high school attendance age.
• Sets facility requirements: buildings must comply with codes, be clean and well-lighted, large enough for students, segregated from other businesses, and equipped for proper teaching.
• Defines staffing rules: at least one instructor per 20 students, no more than two instructor trainees per instructor, and the same on-call instructor cannot serve more than one school.
• Requires record-keeping and instructional standards: daily, monthly, and cumulative records; regular class schedules and examinations; minimum program hours; official transcripts within 30 days after completion or withdrawal; and a curriculum including practical and theoretical components and safety training.
• Allows schools that teach only barbering, esthetics, or manicuring to operate but requires them to meet equivalent board requirements for instructors, attendance, enrollment, and other matters.
• Gives the board authority to approve or deny the sale or transfer of a school, especially if there are outstanding violations of the chapter or board rules.
• Effective date: immediately upon governor's approval.

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, Board of