Senator Karin Housley (R-Stillwater) today presented a bill to move the functions and regulatory jurisdiction of the Board of Cosmetology over to the Department of Health. This bill attempts to address board mismanagement, and a systemic problem of over-regulation that is abundant in the Minnesota cosmetology industry. 

“I have spoken to many people working in the cosmetology industry, and their biggest complaint is that the Board of Cosmetology imposes many unnecessary mandates on those in the industry,” said Senator Housley. “So many people that have experienced problems are terrified to even testify, because they’re afraid of potential retaliation. The Board should be working towards the best interests for their cosmetologists, but clearly, that’s hasn’t been the case for some time.”

Within the past 15 years, the Board’s regulations have led to two civil rights lawsuits: one related to hair braiding, and one related to freelance hair and makeup artists. Additionally, the Board is currently being audited by the Legislative Auditor’s Office due to possible mismanagement. Licensees have also reported numerous issues when contacting the Board during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“There is a clear lack of oversight over the Board’s regulations and policies, clearly demonstrated by the Board’s sudden changing of requirements for freelance hair and makeup artists, which hurt hundreds of businesses throughout the state,” continued Senator Housley. “The Board simply changed their interpretation of a rule on a whim without following administrative procedures. This turned people’s lives upside down, and no one has held them accountable, even though these actions have lasting effects.” 

States like Vermont and Colorado have addressed similar issues by putting licensing requirements with a state agency. While each state still has a Board of Cosmetology, licensing and regulation are overseen by the Vermont Office of Professional Regulation and the Colorado Office of Barber and Cosmetology Licensure.

“There is just no need for this Board. So many in the industry were desperate for leadership from the Board both during and before COVID. Yet there was no support—calls were unanswered when licensees were confused about reopening, information would differ depending on who the licensee was able to talk to, there have been delays with license renewals… The complaints are seemingly endless. This transfer of authority will free our cosmetologists and others in the beauty industry from the recurring issues they’ve repeatedly faced in trying to work under this board’s jurisdiction,” finished Senator Housley.

Legislation was passed in Minnesota last year to address a previous issue with the Board of Cosmetology concerning freelance hair and makeup artists.

This bill was laid over in the Senate Health and Human Services Committee.