Freelance hair and makeup exemption signed into law

On Wednesday, bipartisan legislation that exempts freelance hair and makeup artists from being required to obtain a full cosmetology license was signed into law by Governor Tim Walz. The bill, authored by Senator Karin Housley (R-St. Marys Point), passed the Senate by a vote of 64-3 and passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 128-4.

“I am so happy this finally become the law in Minnesota! Two years ago, the Board of Cosmetology arbitrarily changed its interpretation of the law and stripped freelance hair and makeup artists of their livelihoods. These men and women are finally free to resume doing what they love,” said Senator Housley. “These are the hair and makeup artists we hire for weddings, proms, and photoshoots – not cosmetologists that work in a salon. They don’t work with chemicals or cut hair; there’s no reason they should be subject to such an extreme regulatory burden. The voices of these artists is what pushed this bill across the finish line and I could not be more grateful for their passion and commitment.”

The legislation exempts freelance hair and makeup artists – those who clean, dry, arrange, and style hair, or apply cosmetics to the face and skin – from the Board of Cosmetology’s licensing and special event requirements. Freelance hair and makeup artists are still required to take a four-hour sanitation training course from a state-approved continuing education provider.

“Freelance hair and makeup artists across the state were running successful businesses and performing in-demand freelance services every day until the bureaucracy decided to arbitrarily change the rules. We should be supporting our small businesses – many of which are women-owned – not making it impossible for them to make a living,” said Senator Housley.

Click here to download the notification of deposit for the bill.

Senator Karin Housley, of St. Marys Point, represents the Forest Lake area and the St. Croix River Valley in the Minnesota Senate. Senator Housley is chairwoman of the Family Care and Aging Committee and is an assistant majority leader.