SB209 Alabama 2015 Session

Updated Feb 27, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Cam Ward
Republican
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: SB209 updates Alabama law to require cosmetology and barbering schools to operate as postsecondary programs and strengthens licensing, facility, and student protections.
What This Bill Does
Defines a school as a postsecondary program licensed or registered by the board to teach barbering or cosmetology; clarifies training above high school level. Adds licensing prerequisites for opening a school, including a $50,000 bond, liability insurance, a current financial statement, equipment list, sample student contracts, and affidavits from prospective students. Establishes ongoing licensure requirements such as instructor staffing ratios, on-call instructors, record-keeping, regular class hours, grading and examinations, and timely official transcripts, plus required sanitation and safety training. Allows the board to approve or deny the sale or transfer of a school and specifies that even schools focusing only on barbering, esthetics, or manicuring must meet overarching requirements; the act would take effect immediately after governor's signature.

Who It Affects
Schools and their owners/operators: must meet new postsecondary status, bonding, insurance, financial, equipment, and curriculum requirements and maintain proper records.
Prospective students: gain protections from the bond and must meet admission standards and receive official transcripts after program completion.
Instructors and school staff: subject to staffing ratios, on-call instructor rules, and record-keeping/credential requirements.
Potential buyers or transferees of schools: must obtain board approval for sales or transfers and may be denied if there are outstanding violations.

Key Provisions
Defines 'SCHOOL' as postsecondary training programs above the secondary level for barbering or cosmetology.
Clarifies and expands definitions for terms including apprentice, barber, cosmetologist, esthetician, instructor, student, and school.
Requires new schools to post a $50,000 bond, show liability insurance, provide a current financial statement, list equipment, submit sample student contracts, and gather affidavits from prospective students.
Requires schools to be recognized as postsecondary institutions and to meet admission, building, and facility standards (diploma or age requirements; proper licensing; adequate space and equipment).
Sets licensure maintenance rules: minimum instructor staffing (one instructor + one on-call per 20 students; one additional instructor per 20 students; max two instructor trainees per instructor), and limits on on-call instructors serving multiple schools.
Mandates ongoing records (daily, monthly, and cumulative), regular class hours, grading and timely examinations, and official transcripts within 30 days of completion or withdrawal.
Requires comprehensive curriculum including practical demonstrations, theory, sanitation/safety, and proper use of tools and products.
Allows schools teaching only barbering, esthetics, or manicuring to avoid cross-training but still imposes overarching requirements related to instructors, attendance, and enrollment.
Requires board approval for the sale or transfer of a school and allows denial for outstanding violations.
Effective date: the act becomes effective immediately following governor’s signature.

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