Mansfield Times

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed House Bill 158 into law this week, marking a significant update to the Cosmetology and Barber Board statutes. The legislation was introduced by State Representative Melanie Miller (R-Ashland) in 2023 and aims to reduce barriers for students pursuing barbering and cosmetology licenses. It received unanimous support throughout the legislative process.

“Since the State Boards of Cosmetology and Barbering were combined into one board in 2017, we have seen the need to harmonize the sections of the Ohio Revised Code on Cosmetology and Barbering to match,” said Miller. “I am confident that these and other changes that update our code will serve to encourage the Barber and Cosmetology industry to grow and thrive in Ohio.”

Miller expressed gratitude towards her joint sponsor, Rep. Bill Roemer, her colleagues in the Ohio House, and Governor DeWine for supporting the legislation.

Key provisions of House Bill 158 include:

- Creating a unified barbering/cosmetology school license.

- Enhancing license reciprocity from other states.

- Reducing fines for disciplinary actions.

- Establishing temporary pre-examination work permits for barbers.

- Lowering the age requirement to apply for a barber license or start barbering school to 16 years.

- Eliminating a requirement for an additional 200 hours of training before re-taking the licensing exam.

- Preventing interest or penalty fees for unpaid fines.

- Creating an independent contractor license, eliminating “shop within a shop” licenses.

- Establishing a process to designate a license as “inactive.”

- Allowing the board to independently set the passing score for the barber exam.

The new law will take effect in 90 days.