Senate Bill 163 Alabama 2026 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Kirk HatcherSenator

Democrat

Session

2026 Regular Session

Title

Alabama Board of Cosmetology and Barbering; adoption of Esthetics Licensure Compact

Summary

SB163 would adopt the Esthetics Licensure Compact in Alabama to create a multistate esthetics license and a shared regulatory framework among member states.

What This Bill Does

It creates a multistate license issued by the licensee's home state that would be recognized in all member states, with the home state keeping primary authority over discipline. The Esthetics Licensure Compact Commission would run a data system to share license information and adverse actions, and member states would follow common rules on education, exams, and investigations. It describes how licensees move between states, including reissuance or returning to a single-state license, and notes protections and procedures for active-duty military members and spouses. It also outlines how enforcement, funding, and rulemaking would work across states.

Who It Affects

• Estheticians who are licensed in Alabama or seeking licensure would gain the ability to practice in multiple member states with a single multistate license, subject to meeting home-state requirements and ongoing compliance.
• Alabama's Board of Cosmetology and Barbering and other member states' licensing authorities would administer the compact, share licensing information, and enforce rules and actions related to esthetics licenses.

Key Provisions

• Adopts the Esthetics Licensure Compact to create a joint Commission and a coordinated data system for multistate licensure and enforcement.
• Establishes a multistate license issued by the licensee's home state, recognizing authorization to practice esthetics in all member states while preserving home-state control over discipline.
• Sets eligibility requirements for multistate licensing, including active single-state licensure, competency examinations, educational/training standards, and background checks.
• Requires a uniform data system with identifying, licensure, and adverse-action information shared among member states, with rules governing data use and privacy.
• Defines how disciplinary actions and licensing changes apply across states, including deactivation of multistate licenses if the home-state action occurs and procedures for reissuance when a licensee moves.
• Includes provisions for active-duty military members and spouses to designate or retain a home state to support relocation and mobility.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 12, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Occupational Licensing Boards